Fresh bandit attacks claim lives of two Rift Valley chiefs

Two chiefs have been killed in separate attacks within 48 hours as banditry continues to threaten security in the Rift Valley.

The killings have intensified fears among residents who have endured years of violent raids.

The first incident occurred on Friday in Chepilat, Baringo County, where Victor Sebei, an assistant chief of Kong’asis Sub-Location in Tiaty East, was shot dead during a confrontation between security officers and armed bandits.

Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed the attack, saying additional officers had been deployed to track down the criminals.

The clash happened as security personnel pursued suspects who had stolen over 70 goats and sheep from Ng’aratuko village the previous night.

Since the start of the year, at least 10 people have lost their lives to banditry in the area. Livestock theft, revenge killings, and inter-community clashes continue to fuel the violence, despite ongoing security operations.

The second attack took place on Saturday when Parara Lekiyierie, a former chief of Pura Sub-Location in Samburu Central, was shot dead by armed assailants who stormed his home in broad daylight.

Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Titus Omanyi described the attack as “pure banditry” and mourned Lekiyierie as a dedicated leader who had worked tirelessly for peace.

Security teams have launched a manhunt for the attackers, believed to be hiding in nearby caves.

The killings come amid a surge in violence across the region. Last week, six people were killed and eight injured in Kilepoi, Baragoi, during a cattle raid.

Gunmen also ambushed a police-escorted bus on the Maralal-Baragoi road, killing two passengers and injuring several others.

A prison officer was shot dead when bandits attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects to a mobile court in Charda, allowing eight prisoners to escape.

In response, the government has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for residents to surrender illegal firearms or face forceful disarmament.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat said a multi-agency team under the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) had been deployed to eliminate the bandits.

“We are deploying a multi-agency team under the command of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit to smoke out the bandits,” Lagat said during a visit to Tot in Marakwet East.

The area is under Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, a government initiative launched in February 2023 to combat banditry in nine counties.

Authorities say the operation has reduced bandit attacks, recovered 172 illegal firearms, and led to the arrest of 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders.

However, fresh killings have raised concerns about the continued threat posed by armed groups in the region.