Suspected bandits have shot dead five people in Lami Nyeusi, West Pokot during an early morning raid and made away with 18 goats.

Confirming the incident, West Pokot county commissioner Apollo Okello said suspected armed bandits crossed the border from Turkana and ambushed the residents leaving at Lami Nyeusi and made away with18 goats.

He added that the bandits shot dead five people who live in Lami Nyeusi along Kapenguria - Lodwar highway. 

“The incident happened around 4.00am on Thursday morning. When police officers responded, they found the five had already been gunned down. We are searching for the bandits who cross over to Turkana county with the goats,” he said.

He added that there is tension in the area as a contingent of police officers have been dispatched to quell tension and ensure transportation is not interrupted along the busy highway. 

“I will be visiting the place with top security officers. Those who were gunned down are business people who usually engage in gold mining business,” he said.

He said the bodies have been removed from the scene and taken to Kapenguria county referral morgue, awaiting postmortem.  By Irissheel Shanzu , The Standard