Panic at the scene of police killings as Kenya Defence Forces rolls in

President Uhuru consoles security officers at Kapedo GSU Camp in S.Turkana following killings of their colleagues by armed raiders (Photo:PSCU)

NAIROBI, KENYA; Heavy explosions rocked Kapitewoi in Kapedo, Baringo County, as Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) began an air and ground offensive to flush out bandits who killed 21 police officers.

KDF troops unleashed the firepower after expiry of the 24-hour ultimatum by President Uhuru Kenyatta for the surrender of the attackers and guns seized from the slain officers.

In a show of might, military helicopters, tanks, lorries and more than 10 armoured personnel carriers carrying soldiers were moved to the area on Sunday evening after the President toured the region.

Yesterday, KDF planes reportedly dropped four bombs at Kapitewoi area with reports that two Pokot herders were killed and more than 30 head of cattle killed in the process.

Witnesses said military choppers were also involved in an operation yesterday bombing sites where the attackers were said to be hiding.

The bombings took place even as elders rushed to beat the ultimatum to deliver the guns stolen from officers. Yesterday evening, intermediaries led Kenya Red Cross Society and government officers to pick four guns which had been placed under a dry fallen acacia tree at Toplane Dam in Chesamu area near Silale hills where the bandits are suspected to be hiding.

In Nairobi, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Samson Mwathethe confirmed the military operation was underway.

"We are there (Kapedo) to assist the civilian police in the operations specifically in Turkana and West Pokot," Lt Gen Mwathethe told a press conference at Department of Defence headquarters during the launch of military recruitment.

slain soldier

"We are there (Kapedo) for Kenyans at large and we have to ensure there is peace for development," he said.

Mwathethe cited article 241 (3) C of the Constitution that allows the deployment of military to assist police after Parliament's approval.

"On December 5, 2013 Parliament allowed us to be deployed locally and specifically in Marsabit, West Pokot, Turkana and Samburu counties to assist the civilian police. That is why you have seen us there," he said.

Senior military police officers were also dispatched from Nairobi to Mombasa where six raiders were killed on Sunday in an attempted raid on Nyali Military Barracks, to piece together the circumstances of the unprecedented raid in which a soldier was killed.

The Standard has learnt that the slain soldier is Senior Private George Hongo and sources say investigators believe Sunday's attack on Nyali barracks and an Administration Police camp in Malindi were co-ordinated terrorist attacks.

Mombasa police boss Robert Kitur yesterday said that no family had come forward to claim six bodies of attackers taken to the Coast General Hospital. (see separate story)   

In Kapedo, sources said those who had the guns contacted area professionals to direct them to where they had left them.

"Those who had the guns used phone calls to guide professionals to where the guns were hidden before retreating to their hideouts," revealed a source.

 Speaking from his Chemolingot office, Tiaty sub-county Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Kurui said: "It's true the operation has started as the President ordered. KDF are in charge of the situation and the law does not allow me to speak on their behalf."

Residents say soldiers dropped four explosives at Lokdongito water point along the Suguta River in Silale as herders took their animals to the area.

"The explosives were heard far and wide, sending panic all over the region," narrated Carlos Kapkoikat.

Another resident who did not want to be named said the explosives were dropped by KDF helicopters which have been in the region since Saturday evening.

verify allegations

"I am sure quite a number of the herders have been injured as well as their animals," said the source.

Red cross co-ordinator in the region Kioko Kiilu, however, said they were still combing the area to verify the allegations and ascertain where they were dropped.

"My team is combing the area which is vast and so far we have not located the site of the alleged bombings," Kiilu said.

Mr Kapkoikat, however, said the herders were descending Silale hills near Kapedo alongside their animals for watering when the incident allegedly occurred at around 9am.

"Explosions were heard in the morning as far as Chemolingot, approximately 40km from Kapedo. Residents are currently fleeing the area after choppers belonging to KDF started ambushing herders," he said.

Residents of Solar, Silale and Kapau villages area reported to have fled their homes ahead of the disarmament exercise.

Sources on the ground are told The Standard that Chesitet, Kasarani and Ameyan villages have been deserted.

More than 22 guns belonging to police officers who were either killed or injured during the Kapedo ambush are still in the wrong hands.