Gunmen kill trader, injure his two sons as Samburu residents decry insecurity

Businessman killed, his two sons injured in deadly attack in Wamba, Samburu.[File, Standard]

Gunmen suspected to be bandits killed a businessman and seriously injured his two sons in Wamba town, Samburu on Sunday night, sparking protests from local traders over rising insecurity.

The attack happened around 9 p.m. as the trader closed his business for the day.

The incident adds to a string of violent attacks in the region, which have left 10 people dead since the start of the year.

In response, traders took to the streets, lighting bonfires and shutting down businesses to demand government action.

The protests paralysed operations in the town as residents called for immediate security measures.

Samburu Police Commander Thomas Ototo urged calm, saying patrols had been intensified and investigations were ongoing.

"We have implemented measures to address the insecurity, but we encourage community members to share information, as some individuals may be harbouring criminals," he said.

Local traders said they were struggling to operate due to frequent attacks.

"Life has become difficult for us. We can no longer conduct our business freely because of the fear stemming from rising incidents of insecurity. We demand that security be strengthened," said Peter Letuyan, a businessman in Wamba.

The two injured sons are admitted at Maralal County Referral Hospital.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the attackers.