In a series of violent incidents that have left the community reeling, five people were killed in Isiolo County over the weekend as armed bandits intensified their attacks. 3 people killed were herders, 5 injured and over 700 livestock stolen in separate attacks. The incidents occurred in Isiolo and Samburu East on Sunday morning. The violence, which has become a distressing pattern in the region after a period of calm, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by residents.
Image of a police vehicle: Source NPS X
The first attack occurred early Sunday morning in the Bojidare area, where gunmen ambushed a group of herders. According to local authorities, three herders were shot dead during this incident. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, armed with assault rifles, struck swiftly, leaving little time for the victims to react. The victims have been identified as members of the Borana community, highlighting the ethnic tensions that often accompany such violence in the region.
In a separate incident later that day, two more individuals believed to be bandits were shot dead with 541 stolen animals recovered in what appears to be a coordinated effort.
Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli said three other villagers who were shot in the incident were rushed to the hospital, where they were admitted. He added a team had been dispatched to the area to pursue the missing goats.
“Unfortunately we lost two people and three were injured. We are on the ground pursuing the attackers,” affirmed Masengeli.
Masengeli flew to the area to assess the situation on the ground ahead of more planned operations.
In the Hola Bule area, another gang shot and killed a herder and managed to steal his 19 heads of cattle. Two other people, including a police reservist, were injured in the raid and were taken to hospital for treatment and discharged.
Another attack took place in the Shambani area, where gunmen targeted another group of herders. Reports indicate that the attackers not only killed their victims but also made off with livestock, further exacerbating the plight of local communities who rely heavily on their animals for livelihood.
The police have confirmed that several others were injured across these incidents, with some victims receiving treatment at local hospitals. The attacks have sparked outrage among community leaders and residents alike, who are calling for urgent government intervention to restore peace and security in Isiolo County. Local leaders have expressed their frustration over what they describe as a lack of adequate security measures to protect vulnerable communities from such attacks.
In response to these incidents, security forces have ramped up patrols in the affected areas. The Deputy Inspector General of Police has assured residents that measures are being taken to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and recover stolen livestock. However, many locals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these efforts, citing previous promises that have gone unfulfilled.
The recent surge in banditry in Isiolo is part of a broader trend affecting several regions in Kenya, particularly those bordering pastoralist communities. Conflicts over resources such as water and grazing land often escalate into violence, particularly during periods of drought when competition for these resources intensifies. The government has been urged to address the root causes of these conflicts by investing in sustainable solutions that promote peaceful coexistence among different communities.
As investigations continue into these latest attacks, families of the victims are left to mourn their losses amid growing fears for their safety. Community members are calling for solidarity and support from neighboring regions to combat this cycle of violence and ensure that justice is served for those affected.
The situation remains tense as residents await further action from authorities. Many are hopeful that heightened security measures will lead to a reduction in such incidents and allow them to return to their daily lives without fear of banditry.
The tragic events in Isiolo County serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by insecurity and violence in Kenya’s pastoralist regions. As communities grapple with loss and fear, it is imperative for both local and national leaders to prioritize peace-building initiatives and ensure that justice prevails for all victims of this senseless violence.
