A national police reservist was among three people who lost their lives in a bandit attack at Mlango in Burat ward, Isiolo county.
According to a report, the bandits ambushed two herders grazing their livestock before attacking the police reservist and taking his gun with them together with the cattle.
The report also disclosed that the bandits might have come from the neighbouring Samburu county.
Isiolo county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said police are yet to establish the motive behind the attack that came barely two days after two others were killed in Loruko area.
While appealing to the Head of State to extend military operations in the bandit-prone areas, the police boss assured residents that police have been deployed to the target areas.
“We have deployed officers to quell tension in the area and appeal to President William Ruto to consider extending the military operation in North Rift to troubled areas in Isiolo,” Omonding stated.
The latest comes amidst concerns from local leaders regarding the spate of banditry in the northern region.
Decrying the worrying state of affairs, the leaders have urged the current regime to put extra effort into taming the bandits who have continued terrorizing the northern region.
On Monday, February 13, 2023, Ruto said he had instructed Defense Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale and his interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki to draw a joint strategy for a security operation.
He noted that the operation will bring an end to banditry that has continued affecting lives in the Northern region.
Ruto added that a multi-agency security team will conduct the security operation, including officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Conclusively, the Head of State announced a three-day amnesty period for the bandits and anyone possessing illegal firearms to surrender them or face the full wrath of the law.
“We have said from tomorrow, everybody who is in possession of an unlicensed firearm, that is not government issued, they must surrender in three days,” he stated.
“We will not leave that area until every illegal gun has been returned, Until all children have gone to school, and until we have stopped this menace,” he added.
