1,500 people flee Marti following Friday attack

At least 1,500 people have fled Marti in Samburu North following Friday's attack that left nine people dead.

Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi said the residents fled for fear of retaliatory attacks.

"The residents are camping in Barsaloi (in Samburu Central). We have, however, increased security patrols to avert retaliatory attacks," Mr Nyakundi said in a telephone interview.

He added that Kenya Red Cross Society officials were dispatched to Barsaloi to assess the situation before the Government releases aid.

 In a statement Sunday, the society said the displaced families have camped at a Catholic mission in Barsaloi fearing retaliatory attacks from their Turkana neighbours.

On Friday morning armed bandits raided homes in Marti, killing nine people and wounding seven others. A woman and a seven-year-old boy were among those killed in the attack.

On Saturday Governor Moses Lenolkulal accompanied by top county security officials held peace meetings in Marti in a bid to end hostilities.

Two children aged five and seven years, who were injured in the attack, were airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment. One of the minors was shot on the head while another was shot on his leg during the attack.

Nyakundi assured those displaced of their security, saying police have been deployed in the area to boost security. "We have enough officers on the ground to protect the fleeing residents. We will be able to respond to the needs once the assessment by Kenya Red Cross has been completed," he added.

Samburu Security Co-ordinating Commander Washington Ajuaga in an earlier phone interview said police were still investigating the incident and no arrests had been made.

Mr Ajuaga, however, denied claims that residents had moved out of their homes for fear of retaliatory attacks.

So far authorities have confirmed the deaths of seven Samburu morans who were part of the rustlers who raided the village but were confronted by security personnel as they drove away the stolen animals.

"As leaders we want to condemn the attack. We have lost our youth in the senseless attack, which came as we traversed the county to reconcile communities and preach peace," Mr Lenolkulal said when he visited the injured at Maralal District Hospital.

Samburu County Co-ordinator Washington Achoka confirmed the incident. "Police officers deployed in the area have recovered 300 cattle stolen during the raid," he said.