A police reservist has been arrested in Samburu County after allegedly shooting and killing a man during a dispute outside a bar in Sereolipi Town. The victim, identified as Kipron Lekutano, 32, was found lifeless on the ground, while the suspect was seated nearby, according to police reports. The assailant, a member of the National Police Reservists (NPR), was promptly arrested at the scene, and an AK-47 rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition was recovered.
Initial investigations revealed that the two men were together, relaxing when a heated argument ensued. During the altercation, the reservist allegedly shot the victim three times, hitting him in the arms and chest. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the body of the deceased was transported to the mortuary for an autopsy.
In a separate incident, a herder in Igembe North, Meru County, shot and killed another herder following a disagreement. The tragic event took place in the Ndumuru area on September 25, 2025. Witnesses reported that a group of herders was tending to their livestock when a confrontation broke out between the two men. The assailant, armed with an AK-47 rifle, shot the victim in the head, killing him instantly. Other herders fled the scene for their safety. The body of the deceased was discovered the following morning, with a bullet wound to the head.
The assailant in the Meru incident is currently on the run, and a police manhunt is underway. Police also noted that some herders in the region are armed to defend their livestock from bandits. This area, like several others, is part of the government’s ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which targets criminal activities, including cattle rustling.
The operation, which spans across counties like Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo, has been successful in reducing crime in the region. The government has also emphasized long-term strategies, such as investing in community empowerment and sustainable development, to address the root causes of crime. This includes the distribution of subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to encourage farming as an alternative livelihood.
As part of the operation’s efforts, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to conduct fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists to strengthen law enforcement in the region. The government aims not only to dismantle criminal groups but also to tackle the broader issues surrounding livestock rustling and violence.
