Bandits kill three police officers, injure two others in Laikipia conservancy

Military helicopters hover around Mirigwit Primary School in Laikipia West on September 7, 2021. [James Munyeki, Standard].

Three police officers have been confirmed dead after they were ambushed by armed bandits on Wednesday within the Laikipia Nature Conservancy.

Speaking to The Standard, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Fred Ochieng’ said the officers were on normal patrol when they encountered the bandits.

“We lost three officers on Wednesday morning after they were ambushed by bandits. Two other officers sustained injuries after a fire exchange before the bandits vanished,” said Ochieng’.

This brings the total number of police officers killed in the ongoing security operation to four. A national police reservist and 11 civilians have also lost their lives in the last two months.

Ochieng’ added that more officers were deployed to rescue their colleagues but the car they travelling in was involved in an accident.

"The six officers injured in the ambush and the accident have been airlifted to Nairobi for treatment,” said Ochieng’.