By ROBERT KIPLAGAT
Baringo, Kenya: Two GSU officers have been shot dead and two others seriously injured after they were ambushed by suspected Pokot cattle rustlers in Mukutani area in Marigat District, Baringo County.
The officers were pursuing stolen livestock Friday evening. The area OCPD escaped dead narrowly.
Baringo County commissioner Benard Leparmarai said the officers had recovered 75 goats and four cows and upon reaching Kiserian area, they were ambushed by the bandits, who sprayed them with bullets killing one officer on the spot while critically injuring two others.
“One succumbed to injuries while being rushed to Kabarnet District Hospital while one is still in critical condition with a bullet lodged in the back”, Leparmarai said.
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A medical officer in the facility said they were still stabilising the officer and may be referred to a better facility Saturday morning.
According to sources, the battle between the security personnel and the bandits lasted for several hours.
The battle is said to have been so fierce to an extent that a KWS helicopter was called in to rescue officers who had been held hostage by the rustlers.
The commissioner the seven raiders held the five officers hostage.
The incident happened barely hours after bandits attacked Chemorong'ion Thursday night and stole over 100 goats belonging to Mukutani Ward Administrator John Kimosop.
A combined effort from the GSU, AP, KPR and Arabal herdsmen managed to overpower the bandits and returned the animals after a fierce exchange of fire at Ilderkesi Friday morning.
