Two suspected bandits were shot dead during a failed cattle rustling attempt in Welegech village, Kibish, Turkana County, on Friday, November 14. Police confirmed that a group of about 50 armed Dassanech bandits attacked the village intending to steal livestock.
Local members of the National Police Reserve (NPR) responded promptly, engaging the assailants in a fierce gunfight that lasted over 30 minutes. Some armed residents also joined the clash, which left two bandits fatally injured while others escaped with serious wounds. There were no casualties among the NPR officers or Turkana herdsmen.
The bodies of the deceased assailants initially remained at the scene as locals resisted moving them to the mortuary. Intervention by local elders was necessary to facilitate their removal. Patrols have since been intensified in the area amid fears of possible retaliation.
This incident comes amid ongoing operations to curb cattle rustling in Kenya’s northern frontier. Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which targets counties including Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, Isiolo, and now Migori, has helped contain livestock theft and related crimes.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that the government’s strategy combines security measures with sustainable development and community empowerment. Initiatives include deradicalization programs, with over 600 weapons surrendered in a two-month exercise, and distribution of subsidized agricultural inputs to support legitimate livelihoods.
Murkomen also announced a policy shift, placing NPR officers directly under the command of Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS) to strengthen operational effectiveness. He stressed that the aim is not only to dismantle criminal networks but also to break the entire cattle rustling industry in the region.
The government continues to encourage local communities to actively participate in protecting livestock and engaging in lawful economic activities to ensure long-term security and stability in northern Kenya.
