Suspected armed bandits raided several manyattas in Ngiro 1 area of Marsabit county on October 1, making off with more than 600 goats and sheep. The raid occurred at around 5:30 am in Line āPā area of Loiyangalani Subcounty, according to police. The attack resulted in the death of one man from gunshot injuries, whose body was taken to the mortuary for further procedures.
A team of police and National Police Reserve police launched a pursuit of the suspected bandits following the incident. The security team proceeded towards Lonjorin, where they linked up with ASTU and NPR officers from Samburu North in an effort to recover the stolen livestock. However, the operation was hampered by roadblocks created using trees along the route towards the Lonjorin and Tum border.
An ASTU armoured vehicle managed to access the area but came under heavy gunfire as the suspected bandits drove the stolen livestock towards Tum and Parkati areas of Samburu North. Despite the challenges, security officers continued efforts to pursue the suspects and recover the stolen animals. The area remains difficult to access, with ongoing operations to contain the crime.
The incident has heightened security concerns along the Marsabit-Samburu border, an area that has previously experienced incidents of livestock raids and armed conflict. This is the latest such an attack amid ongoing operations targeting banditry. The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu aimed at dealing with bandits.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties. The operation has managed to contain crime in the area and other counties amid persistence. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term vision is to empower communities to actively take part in the war against animal rustling.
Murkomen ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to bolster the operations. The government also plans to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood. This approach aims to address the root causes of banditry and promote sustainable development.
The incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to address banditry and promote peace in the region. The government, through Operation Maliza Uhalifu, is working to contain crime and empower local communities to take part in the war against animal rustling. Key efforts include reviving farming activities and providing support to affected communities.
Key points
- One man was killed and over 600 livestock stolen in a Marsabit raid by suspected bandits.
- The incident has heightened security concerns along the Marsabit-Samburu border.
- Operation Maliza Uhalifu aims to contain banditry in several counties, including Marsabit and Samburu.
