A 28-year-old man was killed in a raid on a village in Ukasi, Kitui County, and the police are seeking the gunmen.
In addition, two more people were shot by the gunmen during the attack; their motivation is still unknown.
After being called to the scene, police claimed to have discovered Sebastian Muli's body lying in a pool of blood.
On New Year's Eve, two other men were discovered a few meters away, both with gunshot wounds.
The attackers fled on a Probox car that had driven them there following the mission, according to what the survivors told the police.
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After being shot in the hand and the back, respectively, two of the men were taken to Mwingi Level Four Hospital for treatment.
According to the police, the attack's motivation is still unknown.
Six spent cartridges were found at the scene, according to the police.
The body was taken to the mortuary so that an autopsy and additional research could be conducted.
As police pursued the attackers, local officials, led by Mwingi East DCC Patrick Momali, visited the scene and advised the residents to maintain their composure.
The region is close to the Garissa border, where gunmen frequently cross to launch attacks as payback for conflicts over grazing lands.
Typically, herders travel to Kitui with their animals in tow, which has caused tension.
To apprehend the gunmen who have been frightening the locals, an operation is being planned in the area.
There are worries that terror organizations might exploit the fighting to sneak into the region and carry out a mission.
Officials claim to have erected roadblocks and stepped up patrols to allay such fears.
