Police reservist injured in banditry attack in Baringo North

A National police reservist was on Monday injured after a security team led by Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa was attacked by bandits in Baringo North.

The team were en route to an area where bandits killed a school head teacher, Thomas Kibet, on Saturday when they were ambushed.

Baringo North OCPD Fredrick Odinga said the bandits sprayed bullets on one of their cars. They suspect those behind the ambush were involved in the killing of the headteacher.

Baringo County commandant Julias Kiragu said officers said the bandits used a herd of cows as a shield when they came under heavy gunfire.

He said with the help of Kenya Army Personnel, the attack was subdued.

The injured officer was taken to Baringo County Referral Hospital.

Kutwa told the residents to avoid the areas that had been declared dangerous and disturbed to ease the operation by a multi-agency team who were pursuing the bandits.

"The multi-agency undertaking the operation to flush out bandits in the troubled areas need to locate and engage the criminals who were fond of using livestock as a shield," said Kutwa.

He said the troubled and dangerous zones should remain vacated until the officers restore law and order in the area.

He noted that pasture and water were plenty due to the recent rains and the herders had no excuse.

County Police Commander Julias Kiragu urged the local community to cooperate with security officials in the ongoing Maliza Uhalifu Operation.

He said the criminals who killed the headteacher on Saturday before attacking the security team will be dealt with.

He assured residents that police will continue to provide escorts, especially to school children and teachers in the troubled zones.