A pastor and a class seven pupil are among suspected cattle rustlers shot dead in Baringo.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the two were among suspected rustlers who stole cattle in the county and crossed over to Tiaty constituency in Baringo County.They were shot at Tiaty after being pursued by anti-stock theft unit police officers."These gun-wielding cattle rustlers have made it a habit to traverse Elgeyo Marakwet as if it's their home," Murkomen, who was being interviewed at a local radio station said."Until last week, they were telling us that those stealing our cattle come from far. But good luck our police reservists battled with them and to our surprise, those killed included a pastor and a class seven pupil from Tiaty Primary School."Cattle rustling has been a headache in Elgeyo Marakwet for the last two years.Politicians in both Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties blame each other for organizing the raids.Late December 2016, West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo accused politicians from Elgeyo Marakwet of promoting the attacks in his home county.So far, over fifteen peace meeting between residents of West Pokot, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet have been held in a bid to promote peace.Murkomen added that underdevelopment in the area has fueled the cattle raids.