Two people were killed, including a seven-year-old child, when suspected bandits stormed Loporna Fora village in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit County, on October 29.
The attackers also wounded three residents and drove away a large herd of livestock before a gunfight erupted between the raiders and security forces.
The other person killed was identified as 70-year-old Ekuwom Roniokou. Police said the suspected bandits were heading towards Arapal when they ran into an ambush set by Kenya Police Reservists and herders at Lardapach, forcing them to abandon the stolen animals.
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Security teams recovered 1,964 sheep and goats and 25 donkeys, which were returned to their owners.
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Officers from multiple agencies responded to the raid, including the regular police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Administration Police, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and National Police Reservists.
Police have not formally named the attackers, and investigations are ongoing.
Fatuma Kakwana, a resident of the area, said her community feels specifically targeted.
The government has not responded to that claim. Kakwana also questioned how armed attackers continue to breach the area despite a visible security presence.
"We have the police, the GSU, and the military, yet how do these people manage to get through and open fire on us?" she asked.
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Residents marched to the local police station following the attack but later dispersed after the livestock was returned, acknowledging the security response.
The three wounded residents received initial treatment at Loiyangalani Hospital before being referred to Marsabit County Referral Hospital.
Kakwana raised concerns about how the Social Health Authority scheme functions in such emergencies.
Kakwana's account of where the injured were taken differs slightly from the police version, and the discrepancy could not immediately be resolved.
She also warned of the knock-on effects that livestock losses have on education. Families who lose goats, she said, can no longer afford secondary school fees since animals are their primary source of income.
Addressing President Ruto directly, she said:
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Marsabit and Turkana are among seven counties covered by Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government programme targeting banditry.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously stated that the long-term strategy includes empowering communities to participate in combating livestock theft. Security teams have pledged to intensify patrols in the area.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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