A somber mood has engulfed Keturo village in Angata Barikoi, Narok County, following a deadly cattle raid that claimed the life of a young herder and left a family in deep mourning.
The attack occurred around 6:30 PM on Tuesday evening, when suspected bandits, believed to have crossed from neighboring Tanzania, ambushed herders near the Keturo grazing zone. According to area chief John Sadera, the raiders, numbering about six and armed with rifles, opened fire on the unsuspecting group, causing panic and scattering livestock.
One of the herders, 26-year-old Lemayan Ole Nkaitoi, was shot at close range as he attempted to protect the animals. He died on the spot. Nkaitoi, a father of two, has been described by family members as a hardworking and peaceful man who was passionate about his livestock.
“He loved his animals. He died defending them,” said his elder brother, struggling to contain his grief.
The attackers managed to drive away 18 cows and 30 goats, reportedly escaping through forested terrain towards the Kenya-Tanzania border via the Enkutoto area. The dense vegetation and rugged landscape have hindered immediate pursuit efforts by local security teams.
While a manhunt involving security officers and village elders is underway, authorities have yet to recover the stolen livestock. The porous nature of the Kenya-Tanzania border has long posed challenges in curbing cross-border criminal activities, especially livestock theft.
Residents say this is not an isolated incident, with several similar raids occurring in recent months. Fear and frustration are mounting as communities feel increasingly vulnerable.
Local leaders are now calling for urgent government intervention, including enhanced security patrols and cross-border collaboration with Tanzanian authorities. “We need joint operations and better intelligence-sharing to deal with these criminals,” one elder emphasized.
Although the Narok County Commissioner has not released an official statement, sources indicate that additional security personnel could soon be deployed to bolster efforts in the troubled region.
As the village of Keturo mourns the loss of a young life cut short, the call for peace and protection grows louder among Narok’s pastoralist communities.
