Transport and business have been paralysed along the Lodwar-Kitale highway following attacks in Kainuk conducted by suspected Pokot bandits. The bandit attacks have resulted in three deaths and several injuries.
Kainuk area chief Sarah Lochodo said that Kainuk has been under attack since last week Monday.
She said on Saturday morning, the suspected Pokot bandits attacked and shot a police officer attached to the anti-stock theft unit in Kainuk.
“Three police reservists and a turn boy who was on a canter transporting goods from Kitale to Lodwar were shot dead on Saturday,” she said. A 12-year-old child was also a victim of the mid-morning attacked that saw tens of goats driven away by the suspected Pokot bandits.” she said.
She added that “The class five pupil at Philadelphia was treated at the local health facility and taken to Kitale for a further medical checkup.”
Lochodo said that the deteriorated security in the region has halted the construction of Kainuk bridge construction due to heightened tensions in the area.
Turkana county leaders led by Governor Josphat Nanok have urged Interior CS to intervene and arrest the situation at the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties.
Nanok decried that the situation that has escalated beyond possible intervention by the political leadership, after separate attacks on Kainuk and Kakong’u police posts as well as vehicles plying the Lodwar- Kitale highway.
“It’s the interest of the national government to maintain stability in the area with the planned development of national assets including oil production and other related infrastructural developments. The conflict could halt the exploitation of natural resources and prevent Kenyans from benefitting,” he said.
Kenya Red Cross confirmed that three people have been shot dead in the ongoing clashes.
Other most affected border centres are Kaakong, Kaputir and Loyapat.
In a statement, KRCS Secretary General Abbas Gullet said that they have camped at Kainuk centre to ensure the provision of emergency assistance through the evacuation of the injured, first aid services, as well as psychosocial support to residents directly.