Three people, including two children, were killed in a banditry attack in Elgeyo Marakwet on Monday afternoon. Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers fled the scene soon after the assault. Authorities suspect the attack was a retaliatory raid, with the assailants making away with an unknown number of livestock.
The incident is believed to be in response to the killing of a 17-year-old boy earlier that day. The teenager was shot dead when armed bandits ambushed herders along the Kerio River. In a suspected revenge attack later in the evening, two more individuals lost their lives. Their bodies have been taken to the mortuary for autopsy and further investigation.
Security personnel have been deployed to prevent further retaliatory attacks and to pursue the perpetrators. “Investigations into the attack are ongoing, and we hope to get to the bottom of it soon,” Muchiri stated.
This latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in the region, despite government efforts to curb banditry. Just last month, three people were killed by suspected bandits along the Tot-Kalowa road. The persistent insecurity in the area continues to pose a challenge to authorities.
Meanwhile, in Marsabit, a separate incident saw a gang attempt to steal 80 goats from a watering point. However, National Police Reserve (NPR) officers engaged the bandits in a gunfight, successfully recovering all the stolen livestock and repelling the attackers.
The Kenyan government has ramped up its efforts to tackle banditry in the North Rift through Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023. The operation spans nine counties, including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. Designating hot spot areas as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” the initiative involves a coordinated effort between the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces to restore peace and stability.
Despite these efforts, banditry remains a significant security threat in the region. Authorities continue to recover weapons, but further measures may be necessary to ensure long-term peace and safety for affected communities.
