Two girls killed, 70 cows stolen as bandits strike again in Kerio Valley

Two girls from same family have been shot dead by suspected Pokot bandits in Kotut, Endo ward of Marakwet East Constituency.

About 70 head of cattle were also stolen in the 10am incident. They were reportedly driven towards Tiaty constituency.

The deceased girls are students at Kobulwo Secondary School (Form 3) and Kabetwa Primary (class 7).  

The raid comes barely a day after  Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and security agencies in the area launched drones to help them in taming the insecurity along Kerio Valley.

"While I share my condolences to the families affected, I call upon all security organs to ensure perpetrators are brought to book and all stolen livestock recovered," say Governor Rotich in a statement. 

The killings also took place as area leaders including the Governor and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen congregated at Kapsait for annual peace prayers between Pokot and Marakwet communities.

The killings have also sparked fresh animosity among the two communities. President William Ruto and Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki have in the past issued a stern warning to bandits in the area.