Three suspected bandits shot dead in Turkana

A dramatic shootout unfolded in Lorugum, Turkana County on Saturday as police officers from Loima Sub-County engaged suspected bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire at Kangalita in Kalemnyang.

The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities plaguing the area.

Among those killed was a male suspect aged 37 years old, identified as a notorious gang leader with a history of violent offences.

The suspect had three pending court cases related to robbery with violence, gang rape, and threatening to kill.

He had also been under investigation for his alleged involvement in a string of unresolved violent crimes, including highway robberies, stock theft, and illicit firearms possession for hire within Loima Sub-County.

The second suspect also known as "sharpshooter," aged 39, was a close associate and aide to the first suspect.

The police said he had been on the run following the killing of a police officer at Kangalita three years ago.

He was also wanted for ambushing and leaving a Lorugum OCS with serious bodily harm, on December 28, 2023.

Police officers added that the third suspect aged 21, was an accomplice to the two.

They noted that the bodies of the deceased were swiftly transported to Lodwar County Referral Hospital, where they await post-mortem examination as investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Loima Sub-County continue.

At the scene, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, along with a magazine containing three rounds of ammunition, accompanied by spent cartridges.

The AK-47 rifle that was recovered from the three suspected bandits. (Photo: NPS)

"The National Police Service would like to thank members of the public for their continued cooperation in the ongoing Government efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the dangerous and disturbed zones within the North Rift Region," the police said.

Turkana County has been grappling with persistent insecurity, largely attributed to frequent conflicts between communities.

However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki vowed that he would not relent until he crushes the banditry menace in the country.

He emphasised that he would not entertain dialogue with bandits and their sympathizers.

"If the bandits think we are tired, we have just started. We are seeing the last vestiges of this problem that has troubled us for so long," he said after chairing a meeting with the county security committee in Lodwar.

He added, "Going forward we shall see less of these incursions because of the ground and air assets that we are going to employ. We will show no mercy to bandits because the only language they understand is fire and we have enough of it and we are even increasing our capacity."