Bandits kill two Rift Valley chiefs in just 48 hours
Two chiefs have been killed in separate banditry incidents within a span of 48 hours in the volatile Rift Valley region, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.
In the first incident, Victor Sebei, an assistant chief of Kong’asis Sub-Location in Tiaty East, Baringo County, was shot dead on Friday afternoon during a fierce exchange of fire between security officers and armed bandits in Chepilat area.
According to Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu, the incident occurred as security personnel were pursuing criminals who had stolen more than 70 goats and sheep during a raid in Ng’aratuko village, Baringo North, the night before.
“The officers encountered the bandits at Chepilat and a shootout ensued. Unfortunately, the assistant chief was caught in the crossfire and was fatally shot,” said Mr Kiragu, adding that it was still unclear how the administrator ended up at the scene since he was not part of the operation.
The attack follows a series of deadly raids in the region. Just a week ago, bandits shot and killed another man in the same Ng’aratuko area, days after being repulsed by a multi-agency team comprising General Service Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and police reservists.
The region has recorded at least 10 deaths attributed to bandit attacks since the beginning of the year, with livestock theft, revenge killings, and inter-community clashes driving the violence.
Shot at home
In the second incident, Parara Lekiyierie, a former chief of Pura Sub-Location in Samburu Central, was shot dead on Saturday by armed assailants who stormed his homestead in a brazen daylight attack.
Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Titus Omanyi confirmed the killing, terming it a “pure banditry incident” and mourning the late chief as a peace champion in the community.
“He was a respected chief who always mediated conflicts and advocated for peace. We are saddened to lose him in such a manner,” Mr Omanyi said.
Security forces, including police and National Police Reservists (NPR), have launched a manhunt for the attackers, who are believed to have fled to nearby caves.
Growing insecurity
The killing adds to a disturbing surge of violent incidents in Samburu County.
Just last week, six people were killed and eight others injured during a cattle raid in Kilepoi, Baragoi.
In another incident, two passengers were shot dead and several others wounded after gunmen ambushed a police-escorted bus along the Maralal-Baragoi road.
A prison officer was also killed on the same road, and eight remandees escaped after bandits attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects to a mobile court in Charda area.
The recent wave of attacks has prompted the government to issue a 24-hour ultimatum for locals to surrender illegal firearms. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat warned last week that those who fail to comply would face forceful disarmament.
“We are deploying a multi-agency team under the command of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) to smoke out the bandits,” said Mr Lagat during a visit to Tot in Marakwet East.
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Dr Abdi Hassan also revealed that authorities have already begun profiling illegal gunholders in Samburu County ahead of an imminent disarmament exercise.
Samburu, along with Baringo, Turkana, and Laikipia counties, has long grappled with armed conflicts often fuelled by livestock theft, competition over grazing land, and long-standing ethnic tensions.
Residents across the affected areas have called on the government to act decisively to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
“We are tired of living in fear. Innocent people are losing their lives in their own homes,” said Philip Lengala, a resident of Samburu West.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.