A convoy travelling from Isiolo to Kom area came under fire from suspected armed bandits in Merti, Isiolo County, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The convoy, comprising three vehicles, was carrying personnel from Adrian Kenya Limited and was escorted by three National Police Reservist officers. The incident occurred in the Nyagisi area, and police reported that the officer sustained a gunshot wound to his left buttock.
The injured officer was rushed to Merti Sub-County Hospital, where he received first aid before being referred to Isiolo Teaching and Referral Hospital for further treatment. According to police, two vehicles, a Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux Double Cab, and Toyota Hilux Single Cab, were hit by bullets during the attack. Fortunately, all occupants of the convoy were accounted for following the incident.
Police have launched investigations into the attack, with efforts underway to establish the identities and whereabouts of the suspected assailants. Isiolo County Police Commander Isaac Sang reported that the heavily armed attackers targeted the vehicle while it was en route to a Safaricom telecommunications site, catching the maintenance team and their security detail by surprise.
This incident comes a week after an attack in the Gotu area, in which five people, including two Anti-Stock Theft Unit officers, an NPR officer, and two civilians, were killed during a search and recovery operation. The previous incident led residents to disrupt transport along the Isiolo-Moyale highway as they demanded immediate security interventions.
Police operations are ongoing in the area, with armoured vehicles deployed as authorities continue efforts to locate the suspects. Top county leaders and residents have called on authorities to take action against armed groups operating in Isiolo, citing concerns over the impact of the violence on local livelihoods, communities, and public peace.
The area is under a special operation aimed at addressing the cattle rustling menace, which has led to loss of lives and economic activities for years. The operation covers several counties, including Marsabit, Meru, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, and Turkana. Police are expected to conduct another operation in the area as the manhunt for the assailants continues.
The incident highlights the security challenges facing the region, with authorities urged to take decisive action to restore peace and security. Residents and leaders are calling for sustained efforts to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the safety of people and property.
Key points
- A National Police Reservist officer was shot and injured in an attack by suspected armed bandits in Merti, Isiolo County.
- The incident occurred while the convoy was travelling to a Safaricom telecommunications site.
- Police operations are ongoing in the area to address the cattle rustling menace and restore security.
