Four killed as ethnic clashes erupt in Kerio Valley

Four people were shot and killed while one person is missing as renewed inter-clan fighting erupted at Kachamcham farm, Kerio Valley in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. An unknown number of animals was stolen as the two neighbouring clans clashed over land on Thursday evening, some five kilometers from Tot trading centre. The killed were identified as
Augustine Kipruto, Chepkok Chepkosgei, Pius Cheserek and Simion Mkolem, all in their mid-30s. Marakwet East police boss Emmanuel Rono, while confirming the incident, said the bodies were collected from the battle field and taken to Tot sub-county hospital mortuary. The attackers from both clans who were armed with AK47 and G3 riffles exchanged fierce fire at Kachamcham farm.

 The farm is part of a Sh300 million Kenya Red cross irrigation scheme, food security programme. Kibiriem sub-location assistant chief Dholphina Kilimo condemned the killing and called for ceasefire between the two warring clans. “One of the warriors is still missing,” said Yaradua Kibor, one of the locals. The missing man was among a group of around 35 armed warriors, four of whom were killed in the fight.