Ruto's directive to Kindiki after 4 police officers were killed in Turkana ambush

In the wake of Friday’s deadly ambush in which armed bandits killed at least 4 police officers and left several others injured, President William Ruto has issued an ultimatum to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

The President who was speaking at an interdenominational Church service at the Nakuru Athletic Club Grounds, Nakuru County revealed that he has instructed the CS to move from his Nairobi-based office and reside in the troubled North-Rift region and address the security situation there.

The president added that Kindiki will leave the troubled region where armed bandits have been terrorizing security agencies and civilians once security is restored in the area.

"I know we have issues regarding security operations in North Rift. Out of all CSs you have been shown, the Interior CS is not here. This is because he is there. Today he was in Baringo.

"Previously, he was in Turkana. I instructed Kindiki to leave Nairobi and go live in the North Rift until the vice of people losing their lives stops.

"With the government's efforts, we will deal with them and ensure no Kenyan life is lost. We will deal with them ruthlessly," the president explained.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at an interdenominational Church service at the Nakuru Athletic Club Grounds, Nakuru County on Sunday, February 12, 2023 Pulse Live Kenya

The ultimatum came hours after a deadly ambush by armed bandits Kitale-Lodwar Highway which left a wave of destruction in their wake, including four dead police officers, several injured and vehicles destroyed.

The incident happened on Friday night, February 10 at around 11.50 pm when around 200 bandits ambushed the security officers.

READ: 3 officers dead, scores injured as bandits defy CS Kindiki and ambush police

The officers fired back to neutralize the attackers before yet another group of armed bandits joined, attacking the security officers from behind and leaving them right in the middle, surrounded by the attackers.

"As the security officers were concentrating on neutralising the attackers, they were attacked from behind by another group of about 100 armed bandits surrounding the officers from all directions," read part of the police report on the incident.

Turkana County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that the exchange of fire went on for about two hours before the bandits fled the scene, leaving casualties behind.