A police officer was fatally shot, and eight remandees escaped following a brazen attack by gunmen in the Marti area of Samburu County on Monday, February 10. The incident, which has raised serious security concerns, occurred as the prisoners were being escorted for a court session.
Constable Humphrey Oroba, attached to Baragoi Police Station, was among the officers escorting the suspects from Maralal GK Prisons when their convoy was ambushed along the Maralal-Baragoi-South Horr road. The gunmen, lying in wait at Charda, opened fire, killing Oroba instantly and seizing his AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition. His colleagues were forced to flee into nearby bushes, leaving the prisoners unguarded.
A rescue team arrived later and located the missing officers, who had survived the ordeal with their firearms intact. However, the eight prisoners were nowhere to be found. Among them were individuals facing serious charges, including five accused of defilement, one charged with illegal possession of a firearm, another with murder and robbery, and one facing assault and grievous harm charges.
Security agencies believe the attackers had prior knowledge of the escort’s movements, suggesting possible collusion or leaked information. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday, but a multi-agency team has been mobilized to track down both the fugitives and their assailants.
The attack occurred despite the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, a security initiative launched in February 2023 to combat banditry and violence in the region. The operation, which spans nine counties—including Samburu, Turkana, and Baringo—has significantly reduced criminal activities. Government statistics indicate a 62% decline in cattle rustling cases, with stolen livestock numbers dropping from 63,054 to 23,668. Additionally, 172 illegal firearms have been recovered, and over 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, have been arrested.
Despite these achievements, Monday’s attack highlights the persistent insecurity in parts of Samburu, where armed bandits continue to pose a threat to law enforcement and civilians. The government has vowed to intensify efforts to apprehend the suspects and prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the body of Constable Oroba has been moved to Baragoi Sub-County Hospital Morgue for autopsy as his colleagues mourn the loss of a fallen officer.
With the attackers and escaped prisoners still at large, security agencies face renewed pressure to restore order and reinforce the rule of law in the volatile region.
