Boy herder shoots dead colleague while servicing a gun in Isiolo

Herders in Kenya with guns.

What you need to know:

  • Merti Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe said the boys were herding goats and sheep at the time of the shooting.
  • The two young herders were pupils at Dadach Lafy Primary School in Merti Sub-County.
  • Mr Sawe said the incident took place at 10.00 am on Tuesday adding that the killer left the gun and disappeared.
  • County Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo directed the security officers to arrest the father of the 16-year-old boy or his guardian for being in possession of an illegal firearm.

A 16-year-old boy Tuesday shot dead his 12-year-old colleague while cleaning a gun in Isiolo County.

Merti Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe said the boys were herding goats and sheep at the time of the shooting.

The two young herders were pupils at Dadach Lafy Primary School in Merti Sub-County.

The commissioner said the boys mishandled the gun while practicing to service and use it at Urura grazing area.

Mr Sawe said that while in process of handling the gun, 16 year old pupil either pulled the trigger knowingly or unknowingly and the bullet hit the young boy on the head.

The boy succumbed to bleeding seven hours later.

Mr Sawe said the incident took place at 10.00 am on Tuesday adding that the killer left the gun and disappeared.

He said the security officers with the help of elders and area chiefs have launched investigations and manhunt for the boy.

The deceased was buried the same day according to Muslim traditions.

Isiolo County Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo directed the security officers to arrest the father of the 16-year-old boy or his guardian for being in possession of an illegal firearm.

BLAMED BOYS' PARENTS

He added that there is no way the boy could buy a gun and that his guardian or parents should be held responsible.

Mr Musiambo said it was illegal for the parents to allow children to herd animals using firearms and thus the father or guardians of the two boys ought to be prosecuted.

“It is wrong for a young boy who should be in school to possess a gun,” said Mr Musiambo.

He added that the incident was an indication that there could be numerous illegal guns that the herdsmen are using in the guise that the firearms were given to police reservists.

He revealed that the security committee in liaison with the elders will map out areas with illegal firearms and ensure all herders surrender them to the government.

“We are set to move to notorious areas, to recover all illegal weapons that have continued to drag the security of our county down,” Mr Musiambo said.

He further said the county had adequate and well equipped security officers including the police reservists and therefore saw need of residents owning firearms.