Bodies of Turkana bandit attack victims found

A police reservist points at the only reliable source of water for Kapedo residents. The bodies of five people, among them police officers, killed in Kapedo, Turkana County, were found Tuesday in thickets. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The five had been missing since Saturday, when bandits attacked a police vehicle.
  • Residents tearfully mourned the death of Mary Nangole, 25, who worked for an oil company.
  • Kapedo residents feared further attacks and called on the National Government to restore order.
  • Police IG David Kimaiyo on Sunday warned that police would not sit back and watch as bandits to killed innocent civilians.

The bodies of five people, among them police officers, killed in Kapedo, Turkana County, were found Tuesday in thickets.

The five had been missing since Saturday, when bandits attacked a police vehicle.

Residents tearfully mourned the death of Mary Nangole, 25, who worked for an oil company.

She was her family’s sole breadwinner.

At an emotional press conference in Lodwar Town, the Kapedo residents said they feared further attacks and called on the National Government to restore order.

“Mary and those officers did not deserve to die,” said peace crusader Jane Narumbe.

Narumbe said residents of Kapedo in Turkana East Sub-County were living in fear due to continuous bandit attacks that have claimed 10 people in the last two weeks.

EXPOSED TO ATTACKS

Mourners said residents are not even free to walk in search of water and firewood for fear of being attacked by bandits.

On Sunday, Mary’s brother Osborn Arot pleaded with the government to help him find his sister.

Women broke down on learning of her death.

They also said the deaths of the police officers had left them exposed to attacks.

“The late Nangole was the sole breadwinner and now her family has been left vulnerable due to banditry in the area,” Ms Narumbe said.

“What did such a young girl do to be killed this way?

"The attacks have left many families vulnerable as men, women and children are killed mercilessly. Security must be restored here,” she said.

“Those who kill police officers must not go scot-free,” said Ms Agnes Lowote.

Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo on Sunday warned that police would not sit back and watch as bandits to killed innocent civilians.