Cult-like killings rattle Narok residents

**After hacking their victims to death, the gang has been painting a scary slogan — “flossin mawuano” — on the walls of buildings where they commit crimes.** [Courtesy]

Fear has gripped residents of Narok town following bizarre killings affecting ten people in a month.

The victims had identical deep cuts.

Authorities said the gang, which is armed with crude weapons operates in densely populated estates located on the outskirts of the town, attacks its victims at night.

After hacking their victims to death, the gang has been painting a scary slogan — “flossin mauano” — on the walls of buildings where they commit crimes.

To scare people, the gang has been painting graffiti on walls of places around the William Ole Ntimama Stadium, and several buildings in the town.

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The meaning of the graffiti is yet to be established but authorities said they were investigating the killings and the meaning of the graffiti words and the message.

Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia confirmed the killings adding that at least 60 suspects have been arrested in connection to other crimes.

“Yes, there has been a wave of mysterious killing since July this year. There are also concerns over the recent trend of insecurity.

‘‘We have launched a crackdown and increased police patrols in the town. We are closing in on the gang ,” said Lotiatia.

According to initial police investigations, the gang resurfaced last month after the murder of a 29-year-old surveyor, Daniel Nkamasia.

Nkamasia was killed as he was entering his home at K24 estate. His killing led to the reshuffle of police officers in Narok town.

Last Friday, a guard identified as Moses Saningo was hacked to death at a construction site opposite Stabex petrol station on the Narok-Bomet Highway.

According to Samuel Ole Dere, the brother to the deceased, Saningo was employed at the construction site last month. He had a deep cut on his forehead.

“We were called to go to the Narok Hospital mortuary to identify the body, and his death shocking to the family since our brother was never in dispute with anyone, he was polite and was just working as a watchman," said Dere.

His killing came a day after Hillary Leken Ololdapash’s body was discovered on Muslim graveyard road.

Narok Police Commander, Riko Ngare, said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder.

“The three people identified as Daniel Rosikan, 26, Nicholas Omollo, 33, and Melie Sankok, aged 34 are assisting police in the investigations.

‘‘They were tracked down to an illicit brew den by DCI detectives after they were linked to the killing,” Ngare said.

In another incident a 38-year-old woman, a vegetable vendor, was killed while at her business premises near Oltalet Mall.

Her daughter, who was checking on the mother, discovered the body after she failed to report to her place of work. She had a deep cut on her forehead.

Another body of a 30-year-old man was found dumped beside the road at Eagles junction, a few metres from the Maasai Mara University with the identical injury on the forehead.

According to an eye, the deceased had a deep cut on the head and one of his eyes gouged out.

The killings have sparked speculation among residents, with some, including the police, claiming the killings were linked to a suspecte cult.

Narok County Peace Association ambassador Joshua Ole Kaputa called for an overhaul of the security officers in the town, claiming there was laxity among officers.

Kaputa demands comes despite the recent reshuffle of senior police officers in the county in January this year over rising insecurity.

“Police here have failed to contain the rampant criminal activities that has led to the loss of over 10 lives, what is the need of having police officers here when people are being butchered day in day out,” said Kaputa.

The surge in crime and protests by residents over the killing forced police to kick off a crackdown on Friday where several people have spent their weekend behind bars for loitering late at night with others accused of being drunk and disorderly.

Lotiatia and Ngare, the two senior officers in the county, have assured residents of their security, saying detectives from the DCI and Special crime unit were making good progress in addressing the situation.