Tension is high in Samburu County after suspected bandits raided Lolmolog and Morijo villages, killing eight people. The attacks occurred on Saturday evening, with another attack on Friday leaving two people dead in Lolmolog village in Suguta Valley. The bandits managed to drive off 150 cattle during the Lolmolog assault, while 200 goats were stolen in Morijo.
The attacks prompted reactions from local leaders, led by Governor Lati Lelelit, who accused security personnel at a nearby camp of failing to protect the area. The governor visited the affected families in Lolmolog on Saturday and questioned how the bandits managed to bypass the camp, enter the village, and carry out the attacks. He called for urgent deployment of security personnel to Malaso Valley, Leparmarai, and Chotorar, which he described as notorious bandit hideouts.
Governor Lati Lelelit wants the government to deploy General Service Unit personnel to deal with the bandits. He stated that they have information that the bandits are hiding in those areas. Local residents are also calling for increased security measures to prevent further attacks. Joseph Lengopito, a resident, urged the Ministry of the Interior to deploy more police officers to prevent further attacks.
Residents are linking the attacks to the ongoing drought, which has forced herders to move long distances with their livestock in search of water and pasture, increasing their vulnerability to attacks. Joseph Lengopito explained that the drought in the area has forced herders to move long distances looking for water and pasture, and that is where the bandits are taking advantage to attack them.
Elijah Lolkingeti, a National Police Reservist, said he lost a relative in the attack. Lolmolog Assistant Chief Philip Lodumgokiok urged the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, to arm the newly recruited police reservists. He also called on the county and national governments to improve the roads in the area, which hinder security personnel's efforts to pursue the bandits.
During the Lolmolog assault, three suspected bandits were shot dead, and 200 cattle were recovered. The attacks have left the community reeling, with many families affected by the loss of livestock and loved ones. The government has been urged to take swift action to bring the bandits to justice and restore security in the area.
The Samburu County government is working with national authorities to enhance security in the region. The county government is also working to provide support to the affected families, including food and medical assistance. The attacks have highlighted the need for increased security measures in the region to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- Governor Lati Lelelit accused security personnel of failing to protect the area.
- Residents linked the attacks to the ongoing drought.
- The bandits stole over 300 cattle and goats.
