Two people were shot dead, and six others sustained serious injuries after armed robbers ambushed a passenger bus along the Maralal-Baragoi highway in Samburu on Thursday. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, has once again raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, armed with rifles, intercepted the bus and immediately opened fire, causing panic among the 60 passengers on board. The gunmen killed two conductors on the spot before looting valuables from the terrified passengers and fleeing into nearby thickets. The injured victims were rushed to Maralal Referral Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The attack has sparked outrage from local leaders, who are now calling for urgent government intervention to curb the rising cases of banditry in Samburu. Samburu Woman Representative Poline Lenguris questioned the motive behind the attack, pointing out that another bus traveling along the same route was left unharmed. She urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and take swift action to restore security.
Baragoi MP Elly Letipila condemned the ambush and called on the government to deploy more security personnel to the region. He emphasized the need for decisive measures to contain the rampant banditry, which has plagued the Maralal-Baragoi highway for years.
“The government must take serious action to protect the lives of innocent travelers. These attacks are becoming too frequent, and people are living in fear,” said Letipila.
The Maralal-Baragoi highway has been a notorious hotspot for banditry, with multiple incidents reported over the years. Last year, former Morinjo MCA was killed in a similar attack, while a recent ambush on a police vehicle resulted in the death of one officer. The frequent attacks have made travel along the highway a risky endeavor, with many residents now fearing for their safety.
Security analysts warn that unless the government implements effective strategies to dismantle bandit networks in the region, such attacks will persist. Local leaders and residents are calling for increased patrols, intelligence-led operations, and the establishment of permanent security posts along the highway to deter future ambushes.
As investigations into Thursday’s attack continue, the families of the victims are left grieving, while the injured fight for their lives. The incident serves as yet another grim reminder of the urgent need to address insecurity in northern Kenya before more lives are lost to banditry.
