Suspected Ethiopian bandits kill 2 in Turkana

Tension is high near the lake side as many residents have fled fearing more attacks. PHOTO | GOOGLE MAPS

Suspected Merille bandits from Ethiopia killed two people and seriously injured six others on Wednesday night in a retaliatory attack on Olgana camp on the shores of Lake Turkana.

Lapur Assistant County Commissioner Maurice Barasa said that the attack happened hours after cattle rustlers believed to be from Turkana community stole cattle from camps where Ethiopian herders who had crossed over to Kenyan side were living.

"A group of men came through the lake, laid an ambush on the camp and killed one person on the spot. Another person was confirmed dead at Lowarengak Dispensary where he was been taken for treatment. Six others were injured," Mr Barasa said.

Tension is high near the lake side as many residents have fled fearing more attacks.

Mr Barasa said the Ethiopians targeted the "wrong village" after a fruitless effort to recover their stolen livestock.

The camp that was attacked was occupied by Turkana fishermen who rely on the lake for their livelihood, he said.

The six people who were injured have so far been referred to Lodwar County Referral Hospital where they are receiving specialised treatment.