5 teenagers shot dead outside church over fishing dispute

The recent shootout involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials and residents of Barut district near Lake Nakuru has sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing tensions over wildlife conservation efforts.

The incident occurred on Saturday May 25 and left five people injured, including a Form 2 student. It is believed that KWS officers opened fire on them during a crackdown on illegal fishing activities . Lilian Wanga, resident and mother of one of the victims, recounts these moving events. She says her 17-year-old son and other young people were engaged in religious activities when KWS officials arrived unexpectedly and began shooting live ammunition, causing chaos and panic. The young people fled the church, but several were shot and fell on the road, seriously injured.

Wanga found her son and others injured on the ground and rushed them to Nakuru Level IV Hospital using a motorbike. One of his children was shot in the left leg, causing profuse bleeding, while another had a bullet lodged in the spinal cord. Others suffered injuries to their hands and hip joints. Doctors are working tirelessly to stabilize the victims' condition. The incident sparked outrage among residents of Barut district who called on the government to intervene and address the instances of harassment they face from KWS officers.

Wanga explains that when the water level of Lake Nakuru rises and fish flood, locals resort to collecting for subsistence and to generate income, as many struggle with poverty and depend on fishing to make a living. make ends meet or pay tuition fees. However, these activities often lead to clashes with KWS officers responsible for enforcing conservation laws. Earlier in May, the KWS came under scrutiny after residents accused it of arresting a young man and throwing him into Lake Nakuru. The Kenya Wildlife Service is yet to release an official statement regarding the shooting.