Kenyan cattle rustlers kill 32 in gunfight

• Well-organised raiders pin down APs with fierce fire as another squad raids village

• Combined force combs bush for attackers as security bosses fly in

The area is also prone to banditry on the roads and prominent personalities, motorists and passengers have become common targets.

Earlier in the year, the then Rift Valley PC Hassan Farah established a permanent security buffer zone separating the Samburu and Pokot, resulting in some truce.

The drought has forced the two communities to head in opposite directions in search of pasture, with the Samburu going to Mount Kenya.

Insecurity has seen the Samburu families residing at PND Farm move towards Rumuruti and have since created a camp where 2,800 people live. Mr Omariba, Samburu West DC Joseph Mathenge and Laikipia West DC Ombaso Sagero visited the scene of the attack.

Also killed were 40 head of cattle, 20 goats and 30 sheep.

Reporters on the ground said they saw bodies strewn everywhere as three district commissioners coordinated a security operation after the attack.

Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojodeh, permanent secretary Francis Kimemia, and Laikipia West MP Nderitu Mureithi arrived at the village shortly before 4pm.

The villagers, who were attacked settled in Kanampiu two weeks ago, having moved out of their homes in Loroki and Oldonyiro divisions of Samburu West and Isiolo districts respectively, due to the drought.

Mr Sharrif said a combined team of anti-stock theft unit, regular and administration police was looking for the raiders.