Bandits unleash terror in Isiolo

Daring bandits have shot and killed three police officers and injured six others this month, in botched operations aimed at recovering stolen livestock in Isiolo.

On Monday evening, two police officers were shot dead by armed bandits in Nachuroi near Daaba in Ngaremara location.

Six officers sustained gunshot wounds including Isiolo County Police Commander Manase Musyoka who was shot on the hip and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

On June 6, an officer was shot dead in Chumvi area within Ngaremara location when they were ambushed by armed bandits in another botched operation aimed at recovering livestock stolen in Loruko village a month ago when cattle rustlers raided the area.

Government’s effort to recover the stolen livestock in the location is yet to bear fruits despite top security officers in the county planning two major operations in the area.

Isiolo County Commissioner John Ondego who confirmed the attack said police officers were ambushed while loading livestock onto a lorry.

Investigation had revealed the site where the livestock were being hidden by the bandits, prompting police officers to move in and recover the stock.

“The armed bandits have positioned themselves on hilly spots to guard the livestock which are on the lower side. When our officers were loading the animals, bandits ambushed them prompting the two groups to open fire killing one officer on the spot,” said Mr Ondego.

The fierce fire ensued for a while prompting police officers to withdraw, a move that allowed the bandits to drive away the livestock.

Shortly after the incident, Mr Ondego said angry morans ganged up and attacked Ngaremara Administration Police post killing an officer where they made away with his firearm.

“It’s unfortunate that the bandits are treating police officers as enemies when we are simply protecting the lives and properties of Kenyans,” he added.

No suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.

The security officers have issued an order to community leaders to return the stolen livestock and name the suspects for arrest and prosecution.

The administrator did not disclose whether the government will impose a curfew and conduct another operation but denied claims that police officers had bombed some houses in the area.