Suspected bandits kill four people in Narok, Samburu counties

Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Titus Omanyi and National Police Reservists after addressing a security meeting in Maralal town, on September 6, 2022. [File, Standard] 

Four people have been killed by suspected bandits in separate incidents in Narok and Samburu counties.

In Narok County, the bandits ambushed and shot dead three people in the Mankucha area along the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Chelchel sub-locational chief Richard Maywa said the victims had crossed the border when they were attacked by assailants suspected to be from the Kuria community.

Maywa said two victims hailed from Kapsinendet village, while the third was from Angata.

"Normal movement of people across the porous border has been interrupted, and tension remains high following the incident. Police have been deployed to enhance security," he said.

Two bodies were removed to Kilgoris Sub-County Hospital mortuary, while the third one is at Nyamongo Hospital in Tanzania.

In Samburu County, bandits killed a 34-year-old man and stole 150 heads of cattle in Stima, Lolomlog village.

Deputy sub-county Commissioner Titus Omanyi, said security personnel are pursuing the attackers to recover the stolen livestock.

"The security team is tracking down the attackers. This incident is unfortunate because the locals were living in peace after numerous interventions by different players," Omanyi stated.

Tension is high in the area and elders from the Pokot and Samburu communities have appealed for calm.

Samburu DCI officer Alex Suntu revealed that a contigent of Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit and the National Police Reservists are pursuing the attackers.

Community elder Christopher Lolkalepi regretted that the attack would undermine the peace-building efforts in the region.

"This attack has frustrated the peace initiative that had taken root here. We call on the national government to intervene and prevent further attacks," he said.

Another elder, Edican Leparachau, urged security forces to pursue the attackers and recover the stolen animals.