Mourners cheat death after bandits open fire at funeral

Saimo Soi Member of county assembly Richard Kambala (in white shirt) viewing the body of the former chief Wilson Chebungei during the  burial ceremony on June 14,2015 at Loruk in Baringo county.Chebungei was killed by bandits two weeks ago at his home. [PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD]

Hundreds of mourners who attended the burial ceremony of slain Loruk chief retired Wilson Chebungei escaped death by a whisker after bandits sprayed them with bullets on Saturday.

The mourners had just finished placing flowers at the grave outside the deceased's compound when all hell broke loose - forcing some to seek refuge inside stores and the few available houses for about two hours.

Police officers and Kenya Police Reservists eventually managed to repulse the attackers after a heavy gun fight, that left the late chief's family shocked and scared. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

VERY SCARY

Earlier, Mr Okwanyo had told mourners that security personnel are aware of threats to attack during the burial before or after and assured them of their security.

Mr Chebungei was shot and killed at a grazing field in Loruk by bandits who went away with his bible and a Kalenjin hymn book.

A few days after the ambush, one of the suspected attackers wrote a short text message to one of the chief's daughter to say he was sorry for what had been done.

The family said although the attackers are known, two weeks after the killing police are yet to make any arrests.

During the burial, church leaders asked for amendments in the constitution to give more powers to the security docket so that it can better deal with runaway insecurity.

MASS PROTEST

The more than 10 religious leaders also challenged human rights activists not to belittle the country's security without critically analysing the problem facing the nation.

They threatened to orchestrate a mass protest to condemn reactions by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights over Okwayo's shoot to kill order on criminals in the county.

"Who are these groups answerable to? Where were they when bandits butchered 42 police officers in Baragoi and another 21 in Kapedo last year?" asked Rev Zachary Chirchir.