Two children killed, more than 200 goats stolen along West Pokot–Turkana border

Two children were killed on Friday night and more than 200 goats stolen when cattle rustlers attacked Amolem village along the volatile border of West Pokot and Turkana counties.

Pokot Central Deputy Commissioner Geoffrey Kithinji said the bodies of the deceased were found in the bush by villagers on Saturday morning.

“The rustlers attacked the village at night, killed the children, a boy and a girl, and drove away the goats,” said Mr Kithinji.

The rustlers are believed to have been carrying out retaliatory attacks after two people were killed in Turkana South on Friday.

Mr Kithinji said that a contingent of security officers had been dispatched to the ground to pursue the culprits.

“Our officers have launched a manhunt for the attackers believed to be from Turkana. We will soon flush them out of their hideouts and recover the stolen goats,” added Kithinji.

Mr Kithinji called for calm among area residents, urging them not to retaliate.

“These are just a few criminals and the whole community should not be blamed,” he said.

Area leaders led by Masol ward rep Ariong’o Lopuren condemned the incident calling on the government to beef up security in the area.

“We strongly condemn the merciless killing of children. It is inhuman to kill innocent children,” said Mr Ariong’o

Mr Lopuren indicated that banditry has resurfaced in the area after two years of peace.

The children’s bodies were taken to Kapenguria County Hospital mortuary.