Tension is rising along the Kerio Valley border between Tiaty Sub-County and Elgeyo Marakwet following a deadly banditry attack on Monday afternoon at Dira village in Tirioko ward.
Armed bandits ambushed herders along the Kerio River, opening fire and killing 17-year-old Longoria Krop.
According to reports, the attackers struck as the herders were driving their cattle to the river for water.
As they approached the riverbank, the bandits sprayed bullets indiscriminately, forcing the herders to flee for their lives.
Tragically, one of the bullets struck and killed the 17-year-old on the spot.
The assailants, suspected to be from Elgeyo Marakwet, stole the herd of cattle and drove them toward the Market East area.
Tiaty Sub-County leaders, led by Tirioko Ward MCA Sam Lokales, strongly condemned the attack and urged the government to take immediate action to prevent banditry from resurging in the region.
Speaking to the media, Lokales warned that the situation is still tense and urged security personnel to act quickly in pursuing the stolen livestock and bringing the criminals to justice.
He also urged local communities to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and the elimination of livestock theft and violence.
Lokales noted that the area had enjoyed relative peace for nearly a year, and renewed conflict would threaten the hard-won stability.
