The mutilated body of a woman was found lying in a pool of blood inside Embobut Forest in Marakwet East on Thursday.
Herders found the body, which had deep panga cuts to the head and neck, in Kapkok glade inside the forest, said area police boss Emmanuel Rono.
Rono said the woman, who has not been identified, may have gone to fetch firewood.
The body was taken to Kapsowar mission hospital mortuary.
Thugs who attack traders have been using the forest as a hideout.
On July 29, 2014, police killed four armed men, believed to have stolen from a businessman,
after finding them preparing tea in the forest.
Eight suspects escaped during the shoot-out that lasted an hour.
