Gang attacks camp, kills AP officer Turkana South

By SILAH KOSKEI

TURKANA COUNTY: An Administration Police (AP) officer based in Turkana South district was on Monday night shot dead by assailants.

Confirming the shooting, Turkana South OCPD Kipsang Changach said the attackers surrounded the camp and shot the officer at close range before escaping from the scene.

“We are yet to find out the motive behind the incident but for now we are treating it as a normal crime,” he said.

Mr Kipsang ruled out any possible connections to the recent confrontation between the police and locals who had barricaded the Kitale/Lodwar road following an attack by bandits that left two people dead.

He said the Monday incident occurred seven kilometres from Kakong village where the Saturday banditry attack took place. He said the death of the AP is being treated as an isolated incident.

The OCPD maintained that no other officer was injured during the attack, adding that after gunshots rent the air, the other officers took cover ready to confront the assailants.

Kipsang said arrangements were being made to transfer the body of the slain officer to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret, adding that investigations have been launched to ascertain the motive behind the killing.

“It is so unfortunate that we have lost a loyal officer who devoted his life to protect the lives of citizens. We will ensure the attackers face justice,” he stated.

The killing comes a day after locals and the administration held lengthy talks at Kakong village where raiders attacked the village and stole 2,000 animals living two dead.

On Sunday, another local was shot dead following a confrontation with police officers for blocking the road to protest against the growing cases of insecurity in the area.

INSECURITY

Area MCA James Lomenen had earlier called on security officials to beef up security to prevent frequent deaths occasioned by attacks.

He challenged the security officers to come clear on the incapacity to provide security in the region, which is considered as banditry prone.

“If the officers have been overwhelmed, they should come out clear so that we can advocate for deployment of more officers,” he said.