Three persons were killed Monday night in Koitumo, Marakwet East, including two elementary school students and an adult.
The three were killed in what police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said was a suspected bandit ambush.
The thieves fled with animals during the raid, which police believe was a retaliatory attack.
The response comes after armed bandits ambushed herders along the Kerio River on Monday afternoon, murdering a 17-year-old kid, according to local officials.
As the herders took their livestock to the river for water, the attackers struck.
The group was forced to evacuate as a result of the indiscriminate shooting. Authorities said that Longoria Krop was instantly killed after he was shot by one bullet.
The animals were then taken by the attackers, who were thought to be from Elgeyo Marakwet, and driven in the direction of Marakwet East.
Authorities believe the second incident, which happened later in the evening, was a retaliatory act.
The recovery of the stolen animals and any arrests have not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
There have been several violent attacks in the area, including this one. Significant security worries were raised last month when suspected bandits killed three persons along the Tot-Kalowa road.
President William Ruto emphasized in December of last year the necessity of both political and spiritual initiatives in the fight against banditry.
“We are spiritual beings, too,” he said. With the authority granted to us, the government can accomplish a great deal, yet certain people require authority beyond our reach. Therefore, we extend an invitation to God.
In order to combat banditry, the government has previously sent specialized troops, such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Special Operations Group, to the North Rift region; yet, occurrences are increasing once more.
