Kenya holds a Kapoeta MP over a cross border raid

A member of parliament in Eastern Equatoria State is among three youth under detention in Kenya over a cross border cattle raid.

The state minister for local government, Lokai Iko, says the MP and the youths were arrested in the Kenyan border town of Lokichogio on Tuesday and taken for detention in Kakuka refugee camp.

The raid was between youths in Kapoeta East County and those in Lokichogio.

Mr Iko did not disclose the name of the MP and the particular constituency he represents in the state assembly.

He told Eye Radio that one Kenyan solider and a South Sudanese police officer were killed in the raid.

“This led to the arrest of three Toposa boys who were going for shopping. The Kenyan police arrested them plus the MP of the area,” Mr Iko said.

The border was closed but later opened. Mr Lokai said the situation is now calm at the border. Attempt to reach Kenyan authorities in Lokichogio for comment was unsuccessful.