Gang destroys property worth Sh6 million

By OSINDE OBARE and LUCAS NGASIKE

Turkana,Kenya:An armed gang attacked a multimillion-shilling company in Turkana County destroying property worth Sh6 million.

Turkana South DC Elijah Kodoh blamed the Sunday night attack on a local politician. He said the attackers had been hired by the politician to sabotage plans to build a multimillion-shilling hotel and an airstrip on 500 hectares in Kapese by African Camp Solutions.

“We have information that the politician ferried bandits from Kalimongorok area for the mission. Why was he unable to mobilise local residents? We are not going to allow politicians to sabotage investments for selfish reasons,” warned the DC.

He said the district security committee had recommended the deployment of armed security at the company to protect the investor.

“The investor legally secured the land and has been granted the rights by relevant institutions such as the National Environment Management Authority and we don’t see any reason why someone should oppose the project,” said the DC.

According to the African Camp Solutions manager Mr Edward Ghaui, the attackers arrived at the camp at 11.30pm and sporadically opened fire forcing employees to flee. Luckily nobody was injured.

Mr Ghaui said the company has been working with the local community since January this year to ensure residents understand the development.

A section of local leaders are opposed to the project citing alleged underhand deals in the land acquisitions.