Three people were killed in a banditry attack in Koitumo village, Elgeyo Marakwet County, in what authorities suspect to be a revenge mission. Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said the attackers struck on Monday afternoon, leaving behind a scene of bloodshed before disappearing with an unknown number of stolen sheep.
Security forces believe the attack was a retaliatory move following the killing of a 17-year-old boy who was shot earlier in the day while herding along the Kerio River.
The violence did not stop there, as another incident later in the evening left two more people dead, further fueling tensions in the area.
The police have since deployed additional officers to prevent further retaliatory attacks and to track down those responsible for the killings. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities promising to get to the bottom of the matter.
The bodies of the victims were taken to the mortuary for post-mortem examinations as families mourn their loved ones. Despite government efforts to curb banditry, such attacks continue to terrorize communities in the North Rift region, leaving a trail of loss and fear.
Last month, suspected bandits killed three people along the Tot-Kalowa road, an area that has seen repeated cases of violence despite increased security measures.
In Marsabit, another attack was reported at a watering hole where bandits attempted to steal 80 goats. However, the National Police Reserve (NPR) officers on patrol engaged them in a gunfight and successfully recovered the stolen livestock.
The government has repeatedly sent special security units, including the military, the Special Operations Group, and the General Service Unit, to battle banditry in the region.
These efforts, however, have not completely eradicated the problem, as bandits continue to strike in different locations, often carrying out revenge killings that escalate the conflict.
To address the growing insecurity, the government launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift in February 2023, targeting bandit-prone areas.
This operation, covering at least nine counties, aims to restore order in regions labeled as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous.” These counties include Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
The operation has seen a joint effort between the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces in a bid to neutralize bandit networks and protect affected communities.
However, despite these measures, the persistence of attacks raises concerns about the effectiveness of the security response and the resilience of the criminal groups behind the violence.
Residents remain on edge, fearing the next attack, while security agencies continue to struggle with a problem that has plagued the region for years.
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