Outrage in Turkana South as two police reservists are shot dead allegedly by KDF officers
The governor, accompanied by County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto and Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ishuu, visited the bereaved families and later addressed angry residents who had blocked the Kitale–Lodwar Highway to protest rising insecurity in Turkana South.
Tension is simmering in Turkana South after two Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) were allegedly shot dead by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers at Kaptir village on Wednesday night, sparking outrage among local leaders and residents.
Led by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Turkana leaders on Friday condemned the killings, demanding swift investigations and justice for the slain officers who were reportedly returning home after providing security at the Lokwar Irrigation Scheme.
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"These were officers serving their community with dedication. According to eyewitnesses, they had surrendered and identified themselves before being shot in cold blood," Governor Lomorukai said. "We will not rest until justice is done."
The governor, accompanied by County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto and Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ishuu, visited the bereaved families and later addressed angry residents who had blocked the Kitale–Lodwar Highway to protest rising insecurity in Turkana South.
Lomorukai condemned the "reckless actions" of the security personnel, accusing them of undermining efforts to restore peace in the volatile North Rift region. He vowed to engage senior officials in the Ministry of Defence to ensure accountability.
"Those responsible must face the law. We cannot have our people gunned down by those meant to protect them," he declared.
The county boss also urged the national government to intensify the operation to flush out bandits hiding in the Turkana South Game Reserve, warning that the protected area was being unlawfully occupied by criminals.
"The reserve is gazetted land under county management, not a hideout for bandits. We need coordinated operations, not internal killings," Lomorukai stressed.
Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen termed the killings "unacceptable and barbaric," saying evidence from the scene, including recovered cartridges, pointed to KDF involvement.
"These were committed officers serving their people. Their only crime was protecting farmers. Justice must prevail," she said.
County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto called for calm and urged leaders to pursue dialogue as a sustainable solution to border-related conflicts.
Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi, who accompanied the leaders, assured residents that investigations had been launched into the incident and appealed for patience as the process unfolds.
Governor Lomorukai also disclosed that he had briefed President William Ruto on the worsening insecurity in Turkana South and requested an extension of the ongoing voter registration exercise to ensure affected residents are not disenfranchised.
Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi equally condemned the killing of the KPR officers and assured the leaders and members of the public that investigations will be carried out and justice served over the incident.
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