After posting my last blog this morning, I ran to town to get the news paper and sure enough, the killings in Kitale made the front page of the Nation News paper here in Kenya.

“COLD BLOOD MURDER”

Daily Nation Saturday May 5, 2007

Eleven people were killed in cold blood in a district bordering the clash torn Mt. Elgon, fuelling speculation that the flare ups could be spreading to neighboring regions. The killings, which were conducted in an execution style, occurred on Thursday night at Matisi area, just outside Kitale Town. Four other were left seriously injured when a gang of about 15 raiders struck Matisi trading centre, near Kitale. The killings brought the number of people shot dead by armed gangsters in the precincts of Kitale to 17 in less than two weeks. By early yesterday morning, fresh blood stains were evident at the scene of the attack, about four kilometers from Kitale police station. I least two kiosks had bullet marks…

The two page article goes on to say that the police received a phone call before the killings warning them that gangsters were indeed coming to the area to kill people. It is also said that the killings are due to “tribal clashes.” The clashes have been going on for a few months at Mt Elgon, close to where I am staying. In the area over 100 schools have been closed due to insecurity there.

The police have increased in Kitale Town and we don’t expect anymore incidences. I personally don’t feel that I am in any danger. I will keep posting any updates on this issue.

Labels: News