Kapsowar
Monday June 3,2024
KNA by Rennish Okong’o
In a tragic turn of events, three people were shot dead, while one was injured following a fatal shooting at the Cherangany Forest Station in Kapcherop, Elgeyo Marakwet West sub county.
The Incident was reported by the Area Chief Andrew Chemalingo after gunshots were heard from the Gorofa Village area, approximately 2 kilometers east of Kapcherop Police Station.
The shooter, Identified as Evans Kimutai, an officer of the Border Patrol Unit based at Todonyang Camp in Turkana North, stormed the forest station armed with an AK-47 rifle.
Kimutai fatally shot two forest rangers, Abdalla Dzabo Kitolle (22) and Marion Jerono (20), and injured a third ranger, Jennifer Makasi Kilonzi (24).
Kilonzi sustained gunshot wounds to her upper right arm and right side of her chest, but managed to escape. She was immediately taken to Kapcherop Health Centre and later referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), where she is reported to be in stable condition.
After the attack, Kimutai turned the gun on himself, fatally shooting himself in the chin. Officers from Kapcherop Police Station recovered an AK-47 rifle, serial number KP AP 59013592, along with three magazines, one empty, one loaded with three rounds, and another loaded with thirty rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. Seventeen spent cartridges were also found at the scene.
The motive behind the attack is believed to be a love triangle involving Kimutai and one of the forest rangers.
Confirming the incident, Marakwet West Sub-County Police Commander Fanuel Nasio stated that the scene was processed and the bodies of the deceased were taken to MTRH mortuary awaiting autopsy.
He also noted that investigations are ongoing to provide more clarity on the tragic event.
The forest manager, who reported that his house was shot at during the incident, has called for increased security measures and support for the families of the victims.
Courtesy: KNA