Nov 15, 2009
ISIOLO, Kenya (Reuters) - Cattle raiders killed at least 10 people in arid northern Kenya on Sunday and stole more than 200 livestock, police and residents said.

Clashes over water, livestock and pasture have long plagued Kenya's remote corners, particularly during severe droughts.

Isiolo police commander Sammy Kosgey told reporters his officers had rushed to the scene in the remote Gambella area.

"Ten people were killed this morning. The victims' bodies have been brought here for burial," Kosgey said in Isiolo.

Some Gambella residents reached by telephone said one raider was also killed, but that his colleagues carried his body away. Many people have left homes in the area, fearing more violence.

"We shall buy guns and defend ourselves," said one local, Osman Happ. "This government is like a dead person or someone who is dead asleep. It will never protect us or our livestock."

Two months ago, heavily armed cattle raiders killed at least 29 people in a similar raid in northern Kenya.