Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ellud Lagat was recently escorted under tight security from Kaleng in Turkana to Marich Pass in West Pokot. An armoured vehicle led the convoy, marking an unusual but telling response to the mounting insecurity in the region.
The escort, recorded by a local journalist and widely circulated on social media, is a stark illustration of the gravity of the situation in northern Kenya. The area remains volatile, with persistent threats from bandit attacks, inter-community violence, and cattle raids complicating both civilian life and security operations.
DIG Lagat’s presence in the region points to a renewed attempt by national police leadership to reinforce security coordination and calm growing unrest. However, the deployment of an armoured vehicle hints at heightened threats—possibly intelligence warnings about targeted attacks—though authorities have not confirmed any specific incidents or imminent risks.
In recent months, residents of Turkana and West Pokot have faced repeated disruptions due to clashes rooted in historical grievances and competition over scarce resources. Armed groups continue to operate with impunity, exploiting the rugged terrain and gaps in local policing structures. As a result, security forces have increasingly become targets themselves.
By Nairobi