Police in Elgeyo-Marakwet County have arrested the main suspect in the deadly attacks on security personnel.
It has also emerged that hundreds of bandits fleeing the ongoing operation have retreated to the Kerio Valley belt.
The man believed to be involved in the killing of a senior police officer at Chesuman market in Marakwet West sub-county was flushed out of his hideout in Tot.
“He is the leader of a group that shot dead a sergeant two months ago,” said County Police Commander Peter Mulinge.
He added that the man would be charged with murder once investigations were complete.
The police chief described the situation in the region as calm, adding that security officers were still pursuing criminals who attacked villages.
“We are zeroing in on other suspects. Their days are numbered,” Mr Mulinge said, adding that patrols had been stepped up. The security team, comprising police officers and KDF soldiers, is involved in the operation against bandits and illegal firearms.
Residents interviewed by the Daily Nation said many attackers in the Kerio Valley play hide-and-seek with security agents.
The attacks undermined the peace efforts achieved in Kerio Valley in 2019. The valley straddles Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties. It is predominantly inhabited by the Pokot and Marakwet communities.
