Bandits shoot dead two children in separate attacks in Elgeyo Marakwet

Suspected bandits on Thursday evening gunned down a grade 6 pupil at Chesegon area in West Pokot County, and another pupil aged 12 years in a Friday morning attack.

The latest victims of banditry were taken for medical attention at the Marigat sub-county hospital.

Another two people, including a Grade 5 pupil on mid-term break, were shot and injured in Yatya area.

This as bandit attacks have gone on despite the presence of police in the area, thereby frustrating residents and their leaders.

Thomas Kiburet, one of the victims’ father, said: “Tulisikia risasi mingi sana tukatoroka tukajificha kwa sababu hatuna silaha ya kujibishana nao...sasa after 20 minutes ndio tulikuja nikaona kijana yangu amepigwa risasi.”

Musa Chesire, who escaped with a gunshot wound to his hand, said as they were grazing the bandits were lurking in the bushes before attacking them.

“Walitokea kwa kichaka wakapiga risasi mpaka mimi nikachanganyikiwa nikarudi huko tena wakapiga mimi risasi ndio nikatoroka tena,” he said.

Hezron Kandie, who survived the attack unscathed, claimed the attackers numbering more than 60 waited for an armoured personnel carrier patrolling the area to pass and shortly after attacked.

“Na sasa wanajua askari wanapitia tu barabara hawapiti kwa msitu, na hata wakati wanachukua ng’ombe walikuwa wanaona tu askari wakienda,” said Kandie.

The injured minor has been transferred to Kabarnet hospital while Musa Chesir continues to receive treatment at Marigat sub-county hospital.

The residents say that while security personnel have been deployed to parts of the county, they are yet to see the uniforms in action in their area.