Isiolo steps up security as bandit attacks claim lives, Governor Guyo pledges justice

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has vowed swift justice and enhanced security following a series of bandit attacks early Sunday morning that left three people dead, several injured, and resulted in livestock theft.

As a result, the Governor convened an emergency meeting with the county security committee on Sunday.

Guyo extended his deepest condolences to the families affected by the violence and reiterated his resolve to bring the criminals to justice.

"It's very unfortunate that we have lost lives in the hands of criminals. Anyone with information on these gunmen should report to the police. We will not hide criminals in our society," he said, calling on residents to support police efforts.

The attacks, which took place in the Hola Bule and Bojidare areas, involved armed assailants who stole livestock and fired upon residents, leaving the community shaken.

The first incident occurred in Hola Bule around 12:35 am, where bandits armed with assault rifles broke into a residence, killing Yusuf Hassan Ali, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Two others, including a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer, sustained injuries to their thighs and were treated at a local hospital before being discharged in stable condition.

A rapid response from police and security teams in Isiolo and Kulamawe led to the recovery of all 19 stolen cattle.

In a second incident around 2:30 am in Bojidare, another group of armed bandits invaded the area, shooting randomly and stealing 300 goats along with an unspecified number of cattle, sparking widespread panic.

Following this attack, Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli who joined Governor Guyo to assess the situation vowed to deal with the criminals.

"Unfortunately, we lost two people, and three others were injured. We are on the ground pursuing the attackers," he said.

Isiolo Governor Guyo Abdi Ibrahim is meeting with the security team to address recent banditry attacks that left one person dead in central Isiolo, heightening concerns over escalating insecurity in the region.

Motorists on the Isiolo-Marsabit road were stranded at Archer's Post… pic.twitter.com/F20Wjff9u8

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) November 10, 2024

Masengeli flew to the area to assess the situation and assured the public that operations would continue to hold the perpetrators accountable for murder, robbery with violence, and other related crimes.

He further vowed law enforcement's commitment to restoring order and recovering any remaining stolen livestock.

To address livestock theft and improve security, Governor Guyo, with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki in September 2023 established an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Mlango.

This unit aimed to prevent livestock theft and safeguard vulnerable communities.

Isiolo leaders had lauded the move, terming it as the most significant step towards eliminating cattle rustling among the various pastoralist communities living in the region that had suffered deaths in the past.

They called upon the government to ensure that the animals stolen over time were recovered and handed over to owners to stop any form of revenge attacks among the pastoralists which had been common practice.