Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has strongly condemned the killing of a university student by suspected bandits in Kachilangiro, calling it a senseless and deliberate act meant to destabilize peace between the Turkana and Pokot communities.
Speaking during a visit to the area to assess the situation and offer condolences to the bereaved family, Governor Lomorukai termed the attack as inhuman and a setback to ongoing peace-building efforts in the region. The deceased student, who was on holiday, had been supplying water to artisanal miners at a newly opened gold mine when he was ambushed and shot dead by armed assailants.
“This was a promising youth, working hard to earn a living. It is unacceptable, but we will not be cowed,” said the Governor. “My administration is working closely with the security apparatus to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The Governor renewed his call to the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, Kipchumba Murkomen, to urgently deploy more National Police Reservists (NPRs), suggesting at least 50 be assigned to each hotspot along the Turkana-Pokot border. He emphasized that increased NPR presence would strengthen security and deter further attacks.
Governor Lomorukai highlighted the county’s commitment to peace, referencing the recently celebrated Nadapal and Lokiriama Peace Accords as examples of successful cross-border peace initiatives. He expressed his desire to apply a similar model to de-escalate rising tensions in the Turkana-Pokot corridor.
Local leaders echoed the Governor’s sentiments, warning that failure by the national government to respond decisively would embolden the bandits. Samuel Aliwo, Chair of the Public Service, Administration and Security Committee, noted that the incident had already forced the temporary closure of mining activities, impacting residents’ livelihoods.
“If the government doesn’t respond within seven days, we fear the attacks will intensify,” said Aliwo.
Other MCAs including Samal Etubon (Katilu Ward), Dorcas Epusiye (Nominated), and Michael Aemun (Kaputir) joined in demanding swift investigations and arrests to restore public confidence and prevent further bloodshed.