A deadly raid in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County has left two herders dead and two others critically injured. The violent incident occurred on June 5 in the Marti area when armed raiders descended on the village, opening fire and fleeing with an undisclosed number of goats.
According to police reports, the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently in critical condition, fighting for their lives. Their identities have not yet been released.
A swift response by security officers led to a tense gunfight with the assailants, during which all the stolen livestock was recovered. However, the attackers managed to escape, prompting an intensive manhunt. Security personnel remain on high alert in the region, with fears mounting over the possibility of retaliatory attacks.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to the local mortuary, pending post-mortem examinations.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks that continue to plague parts of northern Kenya, despite ongoing security operations aimed at restoring peace. The area is currently under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a multi-agency security initiative launched in 2024. Its objective is to combat the persistent problem of cattle rustling and related criminal activities in hotspot regions.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu has reportedly made significant strides in suppressing criminal networks in Marsabit, along with other affected counties including Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Isiolo. However, sporadic violence such as the recent Marti raid underscores the challenges that remain.
As part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity, the government has committed to investing in sustainable development and community empowerment in Kenya’s Northern Frontier and the Kerio Valley belt. The approach is designed not only to provide immediate security but also to reduce the socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel banditry and livestock theft.
Efforts include the distribution of subsidized farm inputs, agricultural extension services, and infrastructure improvements to encourage alternative livelihoods among pastoralist communities. The goal is to shift dependence away from livestock alone, reducing the economic incentive for cattle rustling.
In addition, the government has emphasized the need for strong local participation in fighting insecurity. Community leaders and residents are being urged to work closely with law enforcement agencies by sharing intelligence and rejecting the culture of silence that often protects criminal elements.
In line with these reforms, all National Police Reservists (NPRs) will undergo fresh vetting to ensure only qualified and trustworthy individuals are entrusted with public safety responsibilities. The move is intended to strengthen the integrity of local security frameworks and eliminate misuse of state-issued firearms.
Authorities say dismantling the entrenched networks behind livestock theft requires not only reactive policing but also a long-term commitment to dismantling the systems that sustain them including middlemen, markets, and financiers of stolen animals.
While security officers continue to pursue the attackers involved in the Marti incident, community members are being encouraged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. Leaders have called for restraint to prevent the escalation of inter-community tensions that could trigger a cycle of violence.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance, comprehensive reform, and community-driven peacebuilding in Kenya’s pastoralist regions.
