Multi-agency security operation launched in Turkana following Saturday’s bandit attack
Following a bandit attack that left 11 people among them police officers dead on Saturday, the National Police Service has launched a multi-agency operation in Kakiteitei Village in Turkana East Sub County.
National Police Service Spokesperson Bruno Isohi Shioso in a statement said the operation is aimed at apprehending culprits, recover the stolen animals and firearms, and restore normalcy to the area.
“Such acts of criminality and impunity shall not be tolerated and must be brought to an end at all cost. As such, bandits terrorizing innocent people have been put on notice,” Shioso said.
The operation launch also follows President William Ruto’s order to security organs forces to deal “decisively” with cattle rustlers.
“After receiving a comprehensive report on the Turkana/Pokot incident that led to 10 security/administration officers losing their lives, I have instructed security agencies to deal firmly, decisively and conclusively with those involved. Cattle rustling will stop na sio tafadhali,” Ruto posted on his official social media accounts.
The police department also asked the public to help by providing information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators and the recovery of stolen animals.
Eight police officers are among 11 people who were killed by armed gunmen in a cattle-rustling incident in Turkana East, Turkana County.
The other victims included a chief and two villagers.
Shioso said the victims were pursuing a heavily armed gang that had raided a village and made away with an unknown number of animals when they were ambushed.
“The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock,” he said.