Police have been mobilised to tame increasing attacks on villages by gunmen in parts of Marsabit county.
Up to five people have been killed in attacks believed to be encouraged by ravaging drought and thirst for more animals.
The latest incident happened Tuesday when unknown gunmen raided a home in Laisamis and shot dead one man and injured another before robbing them of an unknown amount of money.
Police said Hassan Maalim was in his home when he was attacked. He died on the spot.
The injured victim, a boda boda rider, was trying to intervene when he was shot in the stomach.
He was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition.
Security officials said tension is growing among warring communities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties over cattle rustling.
There are fears of retaliation from the affected communities or clans.
Eastern regional police commander Rono Bunei said they had mobilised more officers to the area to deal with the menace.
“We seek the help of local leadership to tame these thirsty gangs roaming there. We are determined to tame it,” he said.
He added they had not arrested any suspect over the attacks.
There have been persistent cases of cattle rustling in the area, despite an ongoing operation.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew was lifted in August leading to an increase in attacks.
Teams of security agencies have been conducting operations in the area, targeting guns in illegal hands.
The operations had reduced incidents of attacks for days.
Officials said the operations will continue until an estimated 5,000 guns in illegal hands are retrieved.
In June this year, officials said although the multi-agency team deployed in May had restored peace, the mopping up of illegal weapons must be concluded as a long-term security strategy.
More than 300 guns, around 3,000 rounds of ammunition, a grenade and bayonets have been surrendered or recovered under Operation Rejesha Amani.
The officers are drawn from specialised units, including the General Service Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit and others.
Officials have hailed the deployment of the security team, saying it had succeeded in stopping ethnic conflicts in the county.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
