Police outgunned by bandits in Laikipia camp

A policeman was yesterday morning shot dead and another injured after bandits raided Mlima Jangili Camp in Kirima, Laikipia County.

Constable Elisha Yegon Kibichi was shot and sustained fatal injuries in the abdomen while his colleague Constable Daniel Ruto was injured in the leg and thereafter, transferred to the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital for advanced treatment.

Three other officers who were in the camp scampered for their safety as they came under attack from the gunmen and their whereabouts remains unknown.

The attack occurred at 12:30am, according to a police report filed at the Ng’arua Police Station.

Rift Valley police boss Fredrick Ochieng said they had sent teams to the area to pursue the attackers.

The officers had been stationed at Mlima Jangili Operation Camp which came under attack past midnight.

They were among the tens deployed in the area to flush out armed herders trying to occupy private ranches.

Despite a heavy deployment of security officers in the area, the bandits still attack locals, sometimes in broad daylight.

Residents said the bandits now steal household items after making away with their herds of cattle.

Laikipia has been in the news headlines of late over increased banditry attacks.

Mbogoine, Matuiku, Rubere and Village-Eighteen areas in Githiga Ward, Laikipia West Constituency have witnessed several banditry incidents in the last one month.

An operation was mounted in the area last September following repeated attacks on residents and security agencies by gunmen believed to be herders.

More than 20 security personnel have been killed in the seven-month standoff.