A police reservist was shot and killed in an early morning ambush in Walda, Sololo, Marsabit County, highlighting ongoing insecurity in Kenya’s northern region. The attack occurred on Wednesday, with the victim identified as Wako Abduba, a member of the National Police Reserve (NPR). He was gunned down by unknown assailants who left his body untouched, with his rifle a G3 with two magazines and 32 rounds of ammunition still on him. Abduba had been shot in the back, and his motorcycle was located a short distance from the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as the assailants neither took the weapon nor any other possessions. His colleague, initially reported missing, was found alive a few kilometres away, offering some relief amid growing concerns of targeted killings in the region.
This incident comes against the backdrop of continued insecurity in Marsabit County and neighboring areas. Just two weeks earlier, armed raiders attacked a village in Loiyangalani, killing two herders and seriously injuring two others in Marti. The attackers escaped with an undisclosed number of shoats. However, a prompt police response led to the recovery of the stolen livestock after an exchange of gunfire, although the assailants managed to flee.
Authorities have heightened security measures in the region, which is part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government-led crackdown launched in 2024 to combat rampant cattle rustling and armed banditry. The multi-agency operation spans Marsabit, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Isiolo counties. While it has led to a reduction in some forms of crime, challenges persist, particularly in remote and border regions.
Security officials continue to monitor the situation closely, warning of potential retaliatory attacks that could worsen community tensions. As part of the response, a manhunt is ongoing for the perpetrators of the latest killing.
Beyond enforcement, the government is focusing on long-term development strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry and insecurity. These include plans to distribute subsidized farm inputs and expand agricultural extension services to promote farming as a sustainable livelihood in pastoral communities.
The Interior Ministry has also ordered a fresh vetting process for all NPR officers operating in volatile regions to ensure accountability and effectiveness in law enforcement. The ultimate goal, according to government officials, is not only to disrupt criminal activities but to dismantle the entire ecosystem that sustains livestock theft and related violence.
As operations continue, local leaders and communities are being encouraged to participate in peacebuilding efforts and economic development initiatives to foster lasting stability in Kenya’s northern frontier.
