Two suspects killed in Kenya Defence Forces operation to flush out criminals from hideouts

At least two suspected bandits were killed when the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carried out a disarmament operation in Laikipia County.

Several others are feared to have sustained serious injuries during the 5pm operation in Laborian on the border of Baringo and Laikipia.

According to the residents, KDF officers hurled several explosives at the area suspected to have been a hideout for the suspected killers of 21 police officers after they escaped from Kapedo, Baringo.

The KDF are said to have used two bombs to attack the gullies where the bandits were hiding. Sources say several other suspects escaped.

"Security officers hurled bombs and we can confirm that two people have been killed and suspect that several others have been injured. The officers raided the area at around 5pm," said a resident who sought anonymity.

Ngarua sub-County Commissioner Rufus Kihara said the raid occurred in the area bordering the Laikipia Nature Conservancy.

Kihara noted that security officers from the ranch assisted the KDF to locate the bandits in their hideout.

"The forces used helicopters and bombed the gullies where the bandits were hiding twice. Two of them have been killed and we are yet to identify those who have been injured," Mr Kihara told The Standard.

Laikipia Nature Conservancy owner Kuki Galmann welcomed the Government's operation in the region to rid it of suspected bandits.

"If they are hiding on my ranch then let the Government flush them out. We do not want them to relocate to Laikipia and cause violence," she said.

Residents said during the airstrike, ten camels belonging to Katodo Ng'oriang'apuan were also killed.

Last week, two boys were killed at Kipau in Silale hills during a similar operation to flush out Pokot bandits suspected to be hiding in the area.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, a third boy who escaped with minor injuries  is undergoing treatment at Marigat sub-District Hospital.

Tiaty sub-County Deputy Commissioner Daniel Kurui had said six G3 rifles were surrendered by the criminals through the village elders with more expected to be handed over.

Five of the rifles were recovered at the Silale hills, and a sixth one at Kapau, which is adjacent to a rocky hill.