In a dramatic encounter, at least four suspected bandits were shot and killed by police in Sinkinte area, Marsabit County, following a shootout. The multi-agency teams, which included personnel from Samburu, Isiolo, and Marsabit counties, had been tracking the gang for hours after they stole livestock from Samburu herders. The operation resulted in the recovery of 57 of the 60 stolen cattle, although three bandits managed to escape, and several others fled the scene.
Police seized two AK-47 rifles from the bandits during the clash. The bodies of the deceased suspects were moved to the mortuary for identification and an autopsy. The attack was part of the broader security efforts in the region, which have been increasingly violent due to cattle rustling activities. The same day, another bandit group raided a village in Merti, Isiolo County, where they stole livestock and killed two road construction workers.
This recent confrontation takes place under the framework of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, an ongoing initiative designed to curb banditry and insecurity in northern Kenya. The operation spans several counties, including Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, and Isiolo. Although these areas have experienced persistent insecurity, Operation Maliza Uhalifu has made significant strides in reducing crime, even as it contends with the challenges posed by armed bandits.
In addition to the law enforcement response, the government is incorporating long-term strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry. This includes encouraging sustainable livelihoods, such as agriculture, and enhancing community involvement in crime prevention. Efforts to deradicalize rustlers have been successful in some areas, with over 300 illegal weapons having been voluntarily surrendered by individuals involved in cattle rustling.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen outlined plans to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to local residents, aiming to revive farming as a viable source of income and reduce reliance on livestock theft. Murkomen also announced the implementation of a new command structure for National Police Reservists (NPRs), placing them directly under the Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS) to streamline operations and improve effectiveness in tackling insecurity.
The government’s long-term vision seeks not only to dismantle criminal networks involved in livestock theft but also to empower communities, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to engage in nation-building activities and live peacefully.
