A junior police officer suffered a serious injury while performing safety precautions on his firearm at the General Service Unit (GSU) Magadi Training Camp, Kajiado County, on Tuesday, December 17. The officer, among trainees undergoing refresher courses at the camp, accidentally shot himself in the left thigh while clearing his Jericho pistol, which was loaded with 14 bullets.
Colleagues rushed to the scene after hearing a gunshot and screams and found the officer bleeding heavily. A spent cartridge and the pistol were recovered at the scene. The injured officer was transported to Magadi Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
While such incidents are not uncommon among law enforcement officers, officials emphasized that safety training is integral to their refresher courses. Accidents like this underscore the importance of adhering to proper firearm-handling procedures.
Recovery of Illegal Firearms in Marsabit
Meanwhile, law enforcement officers recovered three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition during a raid in Manyatta Daba/Segel, Marsabit County. Acting on intelligence, police staged the operation on Tuesday, uncovering the weapons allegedly stored for a planned criminal mission.
Three suspects were apprehended in connection with the recovered firearms, and investigations are underway to determine whether the weapons had been used in previous crimes, including cattle rustling. Security forces continue to monitor the region to prevent further incidents.
Banditry and Cattle Rustling in Meru
In a separate incident in Kangeta, Meru County, bandits raided a village, stealing 64 heads of cattle from Rikau. The criminals drove the livestock to an undisclosed location before law enforcement teams could respond. Police are actively pursuing the culprits to recover the stolen animals and deter future raids.
Cattle rustling and banditry have long been persistent challenges in parts of Kenya, prompting significant government intervention.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift: Progress and Impact
The government launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift in February 2023 to address escalating banditry and cattle rustling in nine counties: Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” hotspots in these counties have been the focus of coordinated efforts by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
This multi-agency initiative has yielded significant results:
- A 62% reduction in cattle rustling cases, with stolen livestock dropping from 63,054 to 23,668.
- Recovery of 172 illegal firearms during mop-up operations.
- Retrieval of 10,173 livestock.
- Arrest and prosecution of 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders linked to banditry and related violence.
Interior Ministry officials attribute the success to robust security measures and intelligence-driven operations. Despite progress, challenges persist in some regions, particularly with heavily armed gangs that use stolen livestock as economic leverage.
Path Forward
The ongoing operations underscore the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in areas plagued by banditry. Community involvement, intelligence-sharing, and sustained enforcement efforts remain crucial to long-term success.
As the government strengthens its response, citizens in affected regions hope for lasting solutions to protect lives, property, and livelihoods. Security forces continue their dual mission of maintaining public safety and building trust within these communities.
Conclusion
Tuesday’s accidental shooting highlights the importance of rigorous training and safety protocols for law enforcement personnel. Simultaneously, the recovery of illegal firearms and the broader impact of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift serve as reminders of the challenges Kenya faces in tackling banditry and violence. However, with ongoing efforts, the nation is making strides toward a more secure future.