Two suspected bandits were shot dead in Kokuro, Kibish subcounty, after a botched cattle-rustling attempt that sparked a fierce gunfight in Welegech village on Friday.
According to police, about 50 heavily armed Dassanech raiders crossed into the area with the intention of driving away livestock. Members of the National Police Reserve responded immediately, and armed locals joined in, triggering a firefight that lasted more than 30 minutes.
Police officers who later visited the scene confirmed that two attackers were fatally wounded while several others escaped with serious injuries. No casualties were reported among NPR personnel or Turkana herders.
The bodies of the slain bandits remained at the scene for hours as locals resisted attempts to move them to the mortuary. Officials said elders eventually intervened and negotiated their removal.
Security patrols in the area have since been intensified amid fears of retaliatory attacks. The region has been one of the hotspots in ongoing operations targeting cross-border and local bandit networks.
Gunmen from Ethiopia, South Sudan and within Kenya often launch raids for livestock in the wider Turkana and northern frontier region, a long-running problem that has prompted increased government action.
The area falls under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, the multi-county security campaign aimed at dismantling bandit networks in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, Isiolo and parts of Migori.
Alongside military-style operations, authorities are pushing long-term strategies including development programs, deradicalisation efforts and community involvement. More than 600 weapons have been surrendered in the past two months in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government intends to empower communities through improved farming inputs and extension services to reduce reliance on livestock raids. He also ordered fresh vetting of all National Police Reservists to strengthen the operation.
