A suspected cattle rustler was shot dead during a clash with the National Police Reserve (NPR) in Lokeke village, Kositei, West Pokot County, after an attempted raid turned fatal.
The incident occurred when gunmen invaded the village on Saturday, August 30, stealing 35 goats. Residents quickly raised the alarm, prompting NPR officers stationed in the area to respond. A fierce exchange of fire followed, resulting in the death of one suspected attacker. Security officers managed to recover all the stolen goats, and no injuries were reported on their side.
The body of the deceased was moved to the local mortuary as investigations continue. Authorities confirmed that the menace of cattle rustling continues to hinder development in the region, as repeated attacks have left hundreds dead and many more displaced over the years.
The area is among those covered under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government-led initiative targeting banditry and cattle rustling in Kenya’s northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt. The operation spans several counties, including Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo. Officials say the sustained campaign has reduced crime, though sporadic attacks remain a challenge.
In addition to military and police interventions, the government is adopting a long-term approach to address the root causes of the problem. Authorities are focusing on community empowerment, investment in agriculture, and promotion of alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on livestock raiding. Subsidised farm inputs and agricultural extension services are part of the planned measures to restore farming as a viable source of income for residents.
Interior officials have emphasized that the fight against cattle rustling is not only about neutralizing armed attackers but also dismantling the wider criminal networks that fuel the trade in stolen livestock. As part of strengthening security operations, all NPR officers will undergo fresh vetting. A new policy has also been rolled out to institutionalize their command structure, placing them directly under the authority of Officers Commanding Police Stations (OCS) for better coordination.
The government maintains that security enforcement combined with development initiatives is the surest way of ending cattle rustling, restoring peace, and enabling communities in the region to participate fully in nation-building activities.
