President William Ruto has issued a stern warning in the aftermath of Saturday’s bandit attack in Turkana County, which killed 11 people.
The suspected Pokot cattle rustlers attacked a village in Namariat near Kakitetei early in the morning, killing eight police officers, a local chief, and two civilians.
The President addressed the attack in a social media post on Sunday, saying that his administration will not tolerate cattle rustling.
Dr. Ruto stated that he had directed security forces to thoroughly deal with those responsible for the heinous attack.
“After receiving a comprehensive report on the Turkana/Pokot incident that led to 10 security/administration officers losing their lives, I have instructed security agencies to deal firmly, decisively and conclusively with those involved. Cattle rustling will stop na sio tafadhali,” Ruto stated.
According to National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso, the slain officers were pursuing Pokot bandits who had earlier raided a village and stolen livestock.
“The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock. A local chief, two (2) members of the public and eight (8) police officers succumbed to the injuries,” Shioso said in a statement.
Meanwhile, additional police officers have been dispatched to reinforce the troops on the ground as they continue to pursue the fugitives.
“NPS reassures the public that all necessary measures shall be taken to restore security and safety in the region,” the police spokesperson added, condemning the incident as a cowardly attack.
