Four people, including a National Police Reservist (NPR), were killed in a pre-dawn bandit attack in Loosuk, Samburu County, as security agencies launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Samburu County Police Commander John Mwai said heavily armed gunmen raided the area in the early hours of Saturday, opened fire and fled into nearby bushes after the attack.
Authorities said the identities of the victims are being withheld until their families are formally notified.
The latest killings come despite ongoing security operations across northern Kenya aimed at dismantling armed bandit groups and curbing cattle rustling, which has continued to claim lives in the region.
Security reinforcements have been deployed to Loosuk as police intensify the search for the assailants.
The attack occurred just days after Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured residents of Samburu West that the government would intensify intelligence-led operations to tackle renewed bandit attacks.
Murkomen made the remarks after receiving reports of insecurity in the area following his recent security and service delivery assessment tour.
Speaking during a meeting with elders in Uasin Gishu County, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that attacks often escalate when security agencies mount operations against criminal gangs but maintained that the government would sustain the crackdown.
“I want to assure you that this is the beginning of the end.
It is always darkest before dawn.
I want to promise you that we will end this menace through sustained intelligence-led operations. We will continue these operations until the job is done,” Murkomen said.
He also urged community elders to continue mentoring young people and working with parents to discourage criminal activities and promote peaceful coexistence.
The meeting was attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Kiplagat and Bomet Deputy Governor David Rotich.
Police said investigations into the latest attack are ongoing as security agencies pursue those responsible.
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