A standoff between bandits and residents of the Sarmach area on the West Pokot-Turkana border has led to the death of six people.
The six were Tuesday killed at Lochacha village in West Pokot County in a clash that is said to have involved cattle rustlers and area residents.
Residents claim three of their own who were pursuing cattle rustlers were killed by security officers.
They also claim that they also managed to kill three cattle rustlers who had made away with an unknown number of goats.
The conflict happened in an ambush that escalated to clashes.
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Nairobi Leo has also learned that at least 16 people were injured during the stand-off.
The group was admitted to various hospitals nursing head injuries and broken limbs.
West Pokot County Police Commander Peter Katam confirmed the incident and said they had opened a probe into the matter.
He said they had swung into action and security agents were enhancing operations in the area.
“We have deployed more personnel to ensure residents are in peace,” he said.
The incident comes after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was in parts of Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu two weeks ago to assess the security situation.
During the visit, the CS sounded a tough warning against those perpetuating criminal activities in the area.
“The government is determined to permanently destroy the intricate infrastructure of banditry by going for its benefactors, beneficiaries, accessories, planners and executors,” he said then.
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