Three dead as tensions escalate along Kisumu-Kericho border

Rusty arrow head. [iStockphoto]

Three people have died while scores are nursing wounds following a daring cattle-rustling incident that sparked tension between two communities along the Kisumu-Kericho border.

The deceased succumbed to arrow wounds, while several houses were torched by the attackers in Jimo East village in Nyakach Sub-County Kisumu.

Among the dead is a Form Four student from a local school who was attacked by the assailants who also drove away cattle.

According to witnesses, the attackers, who were heavily armed, raided villages in North Nyakach and attacked several homes.

Oyugi Owili, an elderly man, who was among the victims of the attack, is counting losses after nine of his cows were taken away by the cattle rustlers.

According to Orina, the attacks and counterattacks have led to the displacement of about 150 households in the area.

"Some 150 households are camping at Ndori Primary School, which is also a rescue centre. Some of them have suffered double tragedy because their houses were torched by the attackers," he noted.

According to North Nyakach Division Assistant County Commissioner Darwin Orina, three people succumbed due to the attacks.

"We have had three death cases since the clashes began. Another body has been retrieved by locals and officers from the National government administration in Kasaye village. The body is of a form four student. The boy was arrowed by the assailants," Orina stated.

The attackers also invaded a home in Kasaye village in Nyakach Sub-County and made away with at least six sheep and an unknown number of goats.

He said the clashes around Sondu town are believed to have resulted from cattle rustling in the area.

"I have been informed that there are some clashes around Sondu between the Kisumu and Kericho County border. Clashes have allegedly resulted from stock theft and counter theft in the area," he stated.

He said a multi-agency security team had been deployed to restore peace in the area.