Heavy tensions between the Borana and Somali trading livestock traders in Meru heightened leaving a messy trail of blood behind though animosity on the other.
Four people were reportedly shot down while many others are nursing injuries and one went missing during the Mutuati community clashes.The series of attacks began on Monday.
Mr Willy Harun, 28, was shot and killed as he travelled on a motorcycle from Mutuati market to Gachiuru area.
“They were waylaid by gun toting people who flagged the rider to stop but he defied their orders. They opened fire and killed the passenger on the spot while the same bullet injured the rider,” Mr Kirui said.
The gunmen robbed the traders of money and the motorcycle.
Igembe North police boss David Kirui said the killings which occurred at Lumbaini Hills, triggered a retaliatory attack where armed raiders attacked Kiolu village and killed Mr Samuel Mugambi, 35.
They also attacked a makeshift homestead at Kongo Atune where herdsmen were having a meal and started shooting indiscriminately at the three occupants, killing Mr Benjamin Kamilu, 32, on the spot.
Mr Kirui said they found a mutilated body thought to be that of one of the missing herdsman during a patrol.
Mr Kirui said they were investigating the claims to establish whether the first incident was actually a case of robbery with violence or staged attacks guided by business rivalry.