Ex-councillor shot in sand harvesting row in Kilome Sub-County

A former councillor is recuperating at Makindu District Hospital after he was shot over a sand harvesting dispute in Kasikeu division, Kilome Sub-County.

Witnesses said Anthony Kilundu was shot three times with arrows at Kasikeu CDF offices by a group of youths on Wednesday afternoon.

The youths also burnt his house and those of his two brothers in Majengo village. Police fired shots in the air but the youths, protesting against sand harvesting, stood their ground.

“We are only protecting our resources from plunder by a few individuals,” they told the officers.

The youths accused the former councillor of abetting sand harvesting in the area despite a ban by the county government and resistance from villagers.

Tension remained high in the market as the group stormed a restaurant and butchery owned by one of those behind the illegal trade and set the building a blaze.

Mukaa OCPD Anthony Mbogo said calm had returned in the market and businesses had resumed normal operations.

Disputes over sand harvesting in the county has led to a number of deaths.

Powerful cartels said to enjoy the support of security officers are said to be behind the illegal business.