Vitalis Kimutai and Alex Kiprotich
21 January 2008
Nairobi — About 15 people were killed in Kipkelion and Londiani, bringing to 22 the people who have died in the past two days. Police shot some of the victims on Saturday night, while others died in gang attacks.
More than 2,000 residents have sought refuge in schools and churches following the burning of 969 houses. Local DC, Mr Aden Halake, confirmed 11 deaths, but area MP, Mr Magerer Langat, differed.
"The figure of the deaths might be higher since I witnessed 16 bodies being collected from various spots," Langat told The Standard. A local chief said he saw 22 bodies.
Police shot dead four people in Nyairobi village and another three at Londiani. They claimed the victims were arsonists. But Langat accused the police of using excessive force to quell violence, saying the officers were partisan.
Earlier, seven people died after they were shot with arrows or hacked to death as three communities fought.
" Some 266 houses were torched at Mutarakwa, 298 in villages surrounding the monastery, 237 at Lelu and at Kipkelion trading centre they burnt 168 houses," said the DC.
The fighting spread to Kashin, Nyairobi, Londiani and Mutaragon.
The displaced have fled to Lelu and Mutaragon trading centres, Tinga Farm Monastery, and Liloch, Nyagacho and Kamasian secondary schools.
Others are camping at the chief's office.
On Sunday, armed police officers patrolled the affected areas as fighting and arson subsided.
More security personnel were deployed at the Kipkelion Catholic Monastery after raiders threatened 600 people camping there.
Despite police assurance of security, more residents continued to flee their homes to Nakuru, Kericho and Kisumu.
Mr Elijah Ndirangu of Lelu said he did not know where his family was after raiders burnt their home.
"I lost all my valuables and household goods and I do not know where my wife and two children fled to," said Ndirangu.
And Mr Andrew Kibet said he had lost six cows and two goats.
"My wife and children fled when youths armed with pangas attacked us as we had lunch on Saturday," he said.
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