Turkana Drivers Association condemns armed bandit attacks on drivers and passengers
The Turkana County Drivers Association has condemned the recent surge of armed bandit attacks on the Lodwar Kitale highway, particularly at Katagole near the KWS Camp in Kainuk Turkana South.
These attacks have targeted innocent drivers, passengers, students, and security personnel, resulting in several injuries and deaths.
At a swearing-in ceremony for the association’s new office bearers, Penninah Atopole questioned the efficacy of security operations in Turkana South, stating “Why are people still being attacked and killed all the time?” Alice Nang’iro, a local politician and a member of the Drivers Association, also demanded better security for the people of Turkana.
Mike Lochuru, the Turkana South Sub County Chair for the Drivers Association, announced plans to organize serious demonstrations along the Kitale Lodwar highway, demanding action from the government on security issues.
The Association Secretary, Benson Elimlim, expressed sadness at the fact that drivers were the primary targets of the armed bandits along the highway.
The Turkana County Drivers Association called on the government to provide better security for drivers and passengers on the Lodwar Kitale highway.
They are demanding answers on why these attacks persist despite the heavy presence of the KDF and other security agencies deployed in the area to flush out criminals in possession of illegal arms.
Just two days ago, one passenger was shot dead and two others were left injured by suspected bandits after the matatu they were traveling in was attacked.
According to a police report, the vehicle was headed to Kitale from Lodwar when it was stopped by a group of around 10 men past Kakong’ Trading Center.