Boy, 16, shoots herding mate dead in bush

A 12-year-old boy was shot dead by his 16-year-old companion as they herded goats and sheep in Isiolo County.

Merti Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe said the older boy was cleaning his rifle when it suddenly went off and the bullet hit the other in the head on Tuesday morning.

He abandoned the gun and disappeared.

Mr Sawe said investigations were underway to establish if it was an accident or he fired the gun intentionally.

MANHUNT FOR BOY

He said security officers, elders and area chiefs had launched a manhunt for the boy.

County Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo ordered the security officers to arrest the boy’s father or his guardian for possessing an illegal firearm.
He said a 16-year-old could not buy a gun and the parent or guardian should be held responsible.

Mr Musiambo said it was illegal for parents to give their children firearms while herding animals.

The incident has led to suspicions by the security and intelligence committee that there could be numerous illegal guns in the hands of the herdsmen.
Mr Musiambo said as a result, the security committee will identify areas with illegal firearms and ensure they are surrendered to the government.

“We are set to move to notorious areas to recover illegal weapons,” he said, adding that there was no need for residents to carry guns as the county had adequate and well armed security officers.