The residents of Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Turkana and other bandit zone areas are now living in fear. The reason for this is that they are afraid of being killed by killer bandits who have been brutally killing innocent people and stealing livestock. This has prompted the government to use it’s might by deploying more security forces in a bid meant to restore peace in the said affected regions.
The security forces in the area include the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Defence Forces KDF and National Police Reservists (NPR) under ‘Operation Komesha Uhalifu North Rift’.
Lately bandits sprayed a security officers’ vehicle with bullets along Kitale-Lodwar highway hours after military bombed of their hideouts in Turkana and Baringo.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits arrived in the area armed with assault rifles and automatic weapons and started firing where some were hurt during the crossfire while others are still missing.
The KDF and police reinforcements faced heavy gunfire exchange from the bandits as they neared the area, according to reports from local sources. According to reports, the bandits were well-prepared for the attack and well armed with assault rifles and automatic weapons.
In return, the police and KDF used equal force, engaging the bandits in a protracted fire battle lasting several hours. The exchange of gunfire was so loud that it could be heard from a distance of several kilometers. Several bandits were killed and others were hurt during the operation. The security forces overpowered the bandits.
by: MURIFE