[allAfrica.com]  [Africa_2004]


Land Clashes Death Toll Rises

The Nation (Nairobi)
NEWS
August 18, 2004
Posted to the web August 18, 2004

By Richard Chesos And Maguta Kimemia
Nairobi
The death toll in Marakwet's clan land clashes in the North Rift area has risen
to 10 after a 67-year-old woman was killed in a police operation.
This happened as hundreds of mourners gathered at Chesoi to bury nine Kamoi
clan villagers. Clan members have been locked in a long-standing land dispute
with their neighbours, the Karel clan.
Witnesses said three policemen found the woman, Mrs Selly Kibor, chatting with
another villager outside her house. They asked the women to surrender. But even
as they obeyed, it is alleged, Mrs Kibor was shot dead.
The woman is said to have pleaded with the policemen to spare her, saying she
was a co-wife who would look after the dead woman's children.
The policemen burnt the dead woman's house.
The tragedy happened at Kapkobutu Village, Kibaimwa Location, Tunyo Division.
A villager, who sought anonymity for security reasons, said the three policemen
later joined their colleagues to track down those who last Friday killed nine
people and injured one in Kipkener Location, Tirap Division.
The killing happened when the Karel raiders, armed with AK-47 rifles, bows and
arrows, attacked a crowd at the Kerguit trading centre, where they had gathered
to discuss an earlier attack in which primary schoolboy Philemon Kibiwott was
injured.
General Service Unit, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, regular and Administration
Police officers were then dispatched to the area to track down the raiders.
At least 15 people have been arrested, including a teacher, a Form One student,
a policeman and a Kenya Wildlife Service officer.
Police have also rounded up more than 300 animals that are detained at
Chesongoch's anti-stock theft camp in Tot Division.
Human rights activists have complained that the policemen slaughtered some
animals and feasted on them.
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission activists John Kurah, Moses Chesire,
Patrick Komen and Mark Kayap said police harassed them when they complained.
The feast is said to have taken place at a camp where district commissioner
Kiplimo Rugut held a security meeting.

   

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