Bandits attack village, shot dead police reservist

By ROBERT KIPLAGAT and MURIMI MWANGI

Tension is high in Ng’elecha area in Marigat, Baringo County after suspected bandits shot dead a police reservist and stole more than 30 goats.

This came barely a week after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto issued a stern warning against cattle rustlers.

Witnesses said the raiders armed with AK47 rifles, invaded Laromoru and shot dead Johana Kirkok, 30.

The bandits suspected to be from East Pokot then proceeded to the neighbouring Laromoru village and drove away 32 goats belonging to Mr Jonathan Chelelgo.

Baringo County Police Commandant Hassan Barua said the KPR officer was killed in a confrontation between the rustlers and security officers in a bid to recover stolen animals.

“After the locals raised the alarm, the police and KPRs responded and fierce exchange of fire ensued and as a result, one KPR was killed, but we managed to recover 40 goats that had been stolen,” Barua, told The Standard on Saturday.

Police are yet to arrest any bandits. The Commandant said they would have a security meeting with locals.

Elsewhere in Samburu County, two leaders have publicly differed over proposed disarmament of pastoral communities in the county.

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and Senator Sammy Leshore differed on whether the planned disarmament should be undertaken.

The two leaders spoke to journalists after British Envoy Christian Turner’s visit to the county.

Mr Lenolkulal supported the move to have communities in Baragoi disarmed, while Mr Leshore insisted no disarmament should be undertaken in the county.

Lenolkulal said arms stolen from officers during the Baragoi massacre last year were still in the hands of bandits. Mr Leshore said banditry was perpetrated by neighbouring hostile communities.