Fresh cattle raids have once again erupted along the West Pokot–Turkana border in the North Rift, raising fears that the fragile peace accord between the Pokot and Turkana communities could collapse.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, August 23, when 13-year-old Kisang Lonyakaa was shot dead in Rumos area, North Pokot sub-county. The boy, together with his friend, was herding livestock when suspected bandits from Turkana ambushed them.
Confirming the attack, West Pokot Police Commandant Abdulahi Jiree said the assailants struck at around 4 p.m., targeting the children. Kisang died on the spot while 14-year-old Mangoot Pusiecho sustained serious gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby health centre.
“Two children had gone to look after cattle; sadly one was killed while the other was badly injured. We thank God he is now out of danger,” said Jiree.
The police boss urged the national government to improve road networks and open up access routes in the volatile region to enhance security response. He further revealed that plans are underway to hold a joint peace meeting with Turkana leaders this week.
Residents, however, blame the resurgence of violence on the absence of security camps and the halt of large-scale mining activities, which they say had previously provided economic stability.
Ombolion Chief Joseph Korkimul warned that cattle rustling, child abductions, and fresh raids were re-emerging in the larger Turkwel belt.
Local resident Charles Lokapel accused the government of failing to act decisively, noting that many lives have been lost in border clashes.
“Insecurity here has become unbearable. We cannot sit back and watch our people die because of these criminal acts,” he said.
The renewed wave of cross-border raids threatens to derail ongoing peace and development initiatives spearheaded by the government, local leaders, and NGOs working to transform pastoralist communities in the region.
