Two bandits killed, two firearms recovered in botched Baringo attack

Two bandits have been killed by police officers as they attempted to raid Kapturo village in Bartabwa ward, Baringo County.

Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu revealed that a well-executed ambush by the security team on patrol on Sunday led to the elimination of the assailants. 

The officers recovered two AK-47 rifles with 21 rounds of ammunition in the process.

This comes after another banditry attack in Ngaratuko area, Saimo Soi ward, where a 19-year-old herder was shot and injured by bandits who made off with an unspecified number of livestock.

Expressing concern over the incident, Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap called for swift action by security officers.

Concerned by the surge in banditry cases, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki convened a strategy and operational review meeting with operation commanders and heads of various security agencies.

Acknowledging the progress made in combating bandit attacks, Kindiki emphasized the need for further efforts to neutralize the persistent threats in Northern Rift Valley.

“The government has stepped up the effort to rid the country of violent bandit attacks. While significant strides have been made towards this end, much more needs to be done to completely neutralize the threats posed by bandits terrorizing the public in Northern Rift Valley,” said Kindiki during a recent presser after the meeting.

In addition, the CS announced the reorganisation of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a multi-agency troop involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service (NPS). 

“Together with local security heads and field commanders, we have reviewed the progress of Operation Maliza Uhalifu. To seal off operational gaps, we are forthwith reorganising the management, command and control of the National Police Reservists (NPR) to supplement the capabilities of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the operation,” he added.