Reservist gunned down in border row

Security operations at Kainuk in Turkana South ready for rescue operations at Lorogon area, border of West Pokot and Turkana counties. A police reservist was on December 29, 2013 shot dead at Lorogon area, where a boundary dispute has claimed more than 30 lives in the last two months. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • According to police, the reservist was killed when he was ambushed by suspected Pokot militia in what was believed to be a retaliatory attack
  • The recent discovery of commercial oil deposits, the development of hydro and geothermal power plants and unexploited mineral deposits are fuelling the armed conflicts in the semi-arid region

A police reservist was on Sunday shot dead at the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties where a boundary dispute has claimed more than 30 lives in the last two months.

According to police, the reservist was killed when he was ambushed by suspected Pokot militia in what was believed to be a retaliatory attack.

“The police reservist was fetching water at River Kerio when he was shot dead,” said a police source who cannot be named as he is not an official spokesperson.

The attack occurred at Lorogon area, which is claimed by both the Pokot and the Turkana due to its plentiful water and pasture.

Leaders from the two communities on Sunday said historical land injustices remained underlying source of conflict.

The recent discovery of commercial oil deposits, the development of hydro and geothermal power plants and unexploited mineral deposits, are fuelling the armed conflicts in the semi-arid region.

“The conflict is attracting new players, including politicians, civil rights activists and potential investors with diverse interests,” said Joseph Akoule, chairman Sikom Peace Development Network, a local organisation.

He called for dialogue in resolving the Lorogon border dispute, warning the situation was likely to worsen.