Trio killed in border raid buried

A mourner is breaks into tears after viewing the caskets containing the remains of Reverend Josphat Kalunge, Pastor Henry Nkunja and Benjamin Kaberia who were killed by the attackers on March 7, hours after attending a prayer session for the peace at Ruongo Rwa Nkea in Igembe North. [Photo: Standard]

Three people, among them two church leaders, killed on the Meru-Isiolo border were buried on Saturday.

Rev Josphant Kalunge and Pastor Henry Nkunja were shot dead by unknown attackers on March 7, hours after attending a peace prayer meeting, while Benjamin Kaberia was killed at his farm at Kaongo Atune village.

The burial was attended by hundreds of mourners, among them Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Senator Mithika Linturi and Igembe North MP Maoka Maore.

Speakers at the burial condemned the killings and called for improved security.

Mr Maore said the Government would build a GSU camp at the border.

“We’ll have to spend Sh7 million to construct a GSU camp to counter the criminals,” he said.

Mr Munya called for thorough investigations into the killings. “These are not ordinary bandits,” he said.

Area community leader Joshua Mantire said the killings were baffling.  

“These were pastors who were not grazing any cattle, so we cannot say they were killed by cattle rustlers. Nothing was stolen from them,” he said.