Three National Police Reservists (NPR) officers were shot and injured during a fierce exchange of fire with suspected armed livestock raiders in Igembe Central, Meru County.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at around 7.19pm as the reservists pursued suspected bandits believed to be from the Turkana community following a livestock theft incident.
According to police, the officers encountered the armed suspects while attempting to recover the stolen livestock, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Three NPR officers sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
The three officers were rushed to Guardian Hospital, where they were admitted and reported to be in fair and stable condition.
The incident follows a livestock theft report in the area, with efforts to pursue the suspected raiders and recover the stolen animals resulting in the armed confrontation.
The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu aimed at dealing with bandits.
The operation has managed to contain crime in the area and other counties amid persistence.
The operation targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties.
Besides retributive reaction, strategic investment and sustainable development have also taken a prominent place among the government’s planned crime control interventions for Kenya’s Northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term vision is to empower the communities to actively take part in the war against animal rustling and undertake legitimate nation-building activities.
He said plans to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.
Murkomen ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to bolster the operations.
He said plans to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.
