Bandits fiercely shoots at police vehicle, killing two women who were on board

The two women, police have said, were heading to a bank in Kabarnet to collect money under the orphans cash transfer programme

A child survived and in the early morning onslaught and is in custody of police in Marigat. This is yet another fresh attack that follows a relative lull after a major security operation was mounted in the area two weeks ago.

Read:BARINGO FEUDS ARE BEYOND CATTLE RUSTLING - ABBAS GULLE

The operation was launched by Deputy President William Ruto where he issued a shoot-to-kill order, raging criticism from the political divide, especially the area senator Gideon Moi.

Makutani is among the 19 gazetted as disturbed and dangerous by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.

Bandits sprayed bullets on the police vehicle killing the two. Confirming the incident, Baringo County Police Commandant Peter Ndung’u said the victims were heading to a bank in Kabarnet to collect money for orphans.

The police boss however said the police boss could have been caught in a crossfire as two communities fought over livestock theft.

“The reports we have received indicate that suspected Ilchamus bandits raided Koimut village in the morning and made away with unknown number of livestock," Ndung’u said.

He added: "The Pokots pursued the bandits but they were ambushed. The police vehicle was caught in the crossfire."

He said police had been deployed to pursue the bandits.

Meanwhile, residents are fleeing their homes in Nasolot sub-location on the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties following a fresh bandit attack that left two herders dead.

The residents are fleeing to Kapenguria town and others to the neighbouring villages across the border in Uganda.

Passengers plying Kapenguria-Lodwar road are being escorted by police officers.

Speaking to the Nation on phone, West Pokot acting County Commissioner Khalif Abdulahi confirmed that two people were killed and more than 200 cattle stolen at the weekend.

Khaliff said more police officers had been deployed to the area.

“Suspected bandits from Turkana County attacked Lami Nyeusi and stole livestock. Residents decided to pursue them but they were turned back by police officers in Kainuk. There was a confrontation and one person was shot,” he said.

Leaders from the area led by West Pokot County Senator John Lonyangapuo said they were planning to hold peace talks in the area.

“We are talking with leaders from Turkana County to ensure that peace prevails .We urge other leaders to join hands so as to end the escalating insecurity incidents,” Lonyangapuo told the press.

Former Information Cabinet Minister Samuel Poghisio urged residents to embrace peace.

Laikipia killings

In the meantime, a Nanyuki Court has allowed police to detain a suspect arrested over the murder of British rancher Tristan Voorspuy for two weeks in Laikipia ranch row, to conclude investigations.

Samson Lokayi, 25, was earlier paraded before Nanyuki’s Senior Resident Magistrate Evanson Ngige on Monday but no charges were read out to him due to a language barrier. Lokayi could only speak Pokot language, and could not speak or understand Swahili or English, to enable the charges to be read.

But when he was taken back to court Tuesday, the prosecution said police were still investigating the matter and requested for two more weeks.

The magistrate consequently allowed police to continue holding him until March 28 when the case will come up for mention and charges read out to him

Voorspuy, a former British soldier, was shot dead on March 6 as he inspected the damages which were caused previously by illegal grazers who had invaded his Sosian ranch and many others in the expansive region, burning them down.