2 killed, 7 injured in Elgeyo Marakwet banditry attack

One of the victims of the Sunday evening banditry attack undergoing treatment at Iten County referral hospital. [Christopher Kipsang]

Two people were shot dead by cattle rustlers who attacked Koitilial, Arror ward before driving away 600 heads of cattle. 

During the Sunday evening attack, seven people sustained injuries with two in critical condition. The injured have been moved to in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital while two are admitted at Iten county hospital.

The heavily armed bandits attacked Koitialal village killing two people on the spot injuring seven at a nearby Kapkamak irrigation scheme.

According to the locals the bandits then drove stolen cattle crossing river Kerio heading to Tiaty in neighbouring Baringo county.

Those who were injured, two who sustained serious bullet injuries were rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for special treatment while five are receiving treatment at Iten County referral hospital.

In another attack in Kapyego ward in Marakwet East, two men were also injured and are receiving treatment at Iten County hospital.

Residents, relatives and leaders trooped at Iten Morque where bodies of the two are bding preserved where they demanded answers from the government as to why killings are taking place in Kerio valley without any action.

Elgeyo Marakwet women representative Jane  Kiptoo, Marakwet West legislator William Kipsang, area MCA Christopher Chemosong and other leaders while addressing the media condemned the attack and called for immediate government response.

“Kerio valley has been left for bandits to attack anytime they want despite heavy deployment of security personnel in the region,” Kiptoo said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wesly Rotich asked the interior CS Fred Matiangi to resign following failed promises to tackle insecurity in Kerio Valley belt.