A 21-year-old herder is fighting for his life after being shot in a raid in the Wamba area of Samburu County on February 11. The attack, which occurred in the Silanko sub-location of Nkaroni, has raised concerns over the increasing insecurity in the region.
According to police reports, the unidentified assailants struck without stealing anything, leaving the victim with a serious gunshot wound to the stomach. He was rushed to Maralal Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
This shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing the region. A day later, on February 12, a police officer was killed in an ambush while transporting eight remand prisoners from Maralal GK Prison to Baragoi Police Station. The slain officer, Constable Humphrey Oroba Angwenyi, was attacked by armed gunmen who freed all eight prisoners and stole his loaded AK-47 rifle. The two officers accompanying him managed to escape unhurt, seeking refuge in a nearby bush.
The attackers are believed to have been aware of the officers’ movements before executing the ambush. The escaped prisoners included five suspects facing defilement charges, one charged with illegal firearm possession, one with murder and robbery charges, and another with assault and grievous harm. As of February 13, no arrests had been made.
In response, security forces have intensified efforts to track down the gunmen. Police headquarters confirmed that additional personnel had been mobilized to pursue the attackers and recapture the escapees. The incident comes amid the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, a government-led crackdown aimed at curbing banditry in the region.
While the operation has led to a significant reduction in attacks over the past year, the recent surge in violence highlights the persistent security challenges in Samburu and neighboring counties. Residents remain on edge as law enforcement continues to investigate and respond to the escalating threats posed by armed criminals.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. With the region’s history of cattle rustling and organized crime, the government is under pressure to ensure stability and restore public confidence in security measures.
As the hunt for the attackers continues, both local leaders and residents are calling for a lasting solution to the insecurity that has disrupted lives and livelihoods in Samburu County.
