Toposa raiders killed in foiled livestock theft

Two raiders believed to be from the Toposa community in South Sudan were shot dead as they tried to steal livestock in a Kenyan village.

Three hand grenades were recovered from the two.

Deputy county commissioner for Kibish Sub-county Erick Wanyonyi said the two were among a group of about 10 raiders who had stormed Atakiyo village on the Kenya-South Sudan border on Friday.

The herder who killed the intruders and recovered the grenades, Mr Johana Lokaala, said he heard the movement of camels and donkeys in the shed at around 8pm.

Drive out animals

“When I stepped out of my manyatta, I saw three armed people in the shed trying to drive out the animals.

Goats were scattered in the compound.

“I shot one dead as the two tried to flee. I then shot at the other man, who later died of the injuries he sustained,” said Mr Lokaala.

He spoke at Lokamarinyang Police Station after reporting the incident.

Mr Wanyonyi said civilians in South Sudan are having access to more weapons and ammunition, which he feared could be used to terrorise Kenyans along the border as fighting continues in the neighbouring country.

Speaking separately, Turkana Women Representative Joyce Emanikor condemned the attempted raid and urged the government to boost security along the border with South Sudan.

“No one should be allowed into the country while armed, even on the basis of seeking refuge in Kenya.

Kenyans living along the border must be protected,” said Ms Emanikor.

Governor Josphat Nanok said residents of Turkana County suffer due to the conflicts in the neighbouring country.

He said they are usually raided, and refugees flee to their area.

The government immediately deployed more police reservists to guard border villages