Herders shoot dead one man and injure two others

One man was shot dead and two others sustained gun and spear injuries after they were attacked by camel herders at Mutha.

The attackers raided Mulatya Munyao's shop and shot him twice on the chest before escaping with unknown amount of money.

Jonathan Ngau, a teacher at Kalambani Primary School, was stabbed with a spear on the ribs after he and a friend he was carrying on his motorbike ran into another set of armed camel herders.

The other man suffered gunshot wounds on the legs. The two men are admitted at Mutomo Mission Hospital in critical condition.

Following the wave of attacks, residents from Ingo, Inyali, Kakya, Ikandani, Musenge, Kalambani, Kyeni, Mwaangi and Kivuiyo villages have fled their homes and are camping at Mutha Police Station.

The wave of attacks erupted on Saturday evening when a huge herd of camels strayed into PCEA church compound at Ingo village, prompting local residents to drive them away to pave way for a Sunday service the following day. This action seemed to have angered the herders who ambushed the locals in coordinated attacks.

County Commissioner John Ondego told The Standard security officers had been dispatched to the affected areas to restore peace and order.

Mr Ondego added that several people had been arrested in connection with the attacks.

“Our security team is already on the ground. We are going to do a thorough mop-up because it is an open secret that the herders have illegal firearms. Those found inside the game reserve will also be flushed out because it is illegal to be in a protected area,” the county commissioner said.

Meanwhile, Matungulu legislator Stephen Mule has asked Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to urgently consider setting up an anti-stock theft police unit in the area in order to arrest the increasing incidents of livestock theft.

Speaking yesterday after touring Koma location, which has been hit by frequent cases of theft of livestock, the MP urged the police to also intensify surveillance and night patrols in Koma, Nguluni and Matuu regions, which have been frequent targets for livestock thieves.