KWS rangers arrested for stealing at gunpoint, police say

Four Kenya Wildlife Service rangers have been arrested following the robbing of a family at gunpoint in Baragoi on Saturday.

Members of the same family were returning home after attending a bride price event in Lodogojek, in Samburu Central, when the rangers reportedly stopped their cars and demanded cash and other valuables.

Area police commander Samson Ogello said the suspects are attached to Baawa KWS station.

He said the rangers, who were dressed in civilian, reportedly threatened to kill their victims if they failed to cooperate.

"We have launched investigations into the claims the rangers robbed a family," he said adding the the officers used a government vehicle during the robbery.

They are said to have snatched Sh9,500 and other valuables from their victims before escaping from the scene in the vehicle belonging to KWS.

The incident was reported at Baragoi Police Station before a search for the suspects was launched.

Mr Ogello said said they later conducted an identification parade during which three of the suspects were positively identified by the victims.

One of the victims, Paul Maina, said the rangers blocked their vehicles using their landcruiser before robbing them.

He said some of their family members were beaten up during the incident.

"They blocked us using their landcruiser, cocked their guns and threatened to shoot us if we failed to give them money. It was terrifying. We gave them all the money we had. They also collected other valuables from us. We later reported the matter to the police," said Maina.

The incident came a day after two prison warders were arrested at Learata, along the Moyale-Isiolo highway, allegedly ferrying 20 kilogrammes of bhang.

The warders are said to have been using a government vehicle belonging to Marsabit GK Prison.

They are being held at Archers Police Station as the police carry out their investigations before the suspects are arraigned.

Ogello warned security officers against engaging in crime. "We are working with stakeholders to identify those engaging in crime. Stern action will be taken against such officers," he said.