Tension at Pokot-Turkana border after a boy was shot dead by bandits

A 13-year-old boy was shot dead by suspected bandits in Rumos, North Pokot Sub-County, on Saturday, sparking tension along the volatile West Pokot–Turkana border.

The boy, Kisang Lonyakaa, was herding cattle when the attackers struck. Another boy, Mangoot Pusiecho, 14, was seriously injured in the ambush.

West Pokot County Police Commander Abdulahi Jiree said the bandits struck at around 4 p.m.

“Two children had gone to look after cattle. One was killed and another seriously injured,” he said.

Jiree raised concerns over poor road networks and a lack of communication infrastructure in the remote region, saying they hinder timely response during attacks.

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“We want the Interior Ministry to help open up roads and networks in the area. We have liaised with our Turkana counterparts, and we shall hold a peace meeting this week,” he added.

Ombolion Chief Joseph Korkimul said cases of cattle rustling, child abductions, and fresh attacks have resurfaced in the larger Turkwel region.

He linked the rising insecurity to the recent halt of large-scale gold mining activities in the region, which had provided livelihoods to many youths.

“Many residents were depending on gold mining. Since it stopped, youths have returned to their vices. Many are now idle,” Mr. Korkimul said.

He added that hunger and displacement had worsened the situation.

“Residents are affected by hunger and are forced to stay in bushes and caves due to fear of attacks. The NPRs are still too few to recover stolen livestock,” he said.

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Kasei Ward MCA Francis Krop Loboo accused the government of neglecting border communities.

Charles Lokapel, a resident, decried the endless killings.

“Insecurity at the border region has been so rife, and we will not sit and watch our people die from these anti-social acts anymore,” he said.

West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi described the resurgence of attacks as unfortunate, noting the region had enjoyed relative peace for two years.

“It is unfortunate that the Turkwel belt has begun experiencing killings and banditry again despite having peaceful coexistence. On Thursday, we will hold a joint security meeting at Kainuk with leaders and locals from both West Pokot and Turkana counties so that we can restore peace,” he said.