Worry over security situation in Rift Valley as two chiefs killed in bandit attacks
The wave of deadly bandit attacks in the Rift Valley has claimed the lives of two chiefs in separate incidents within 48 hours, raising fresh concerns over security in the region.
The latest killings highlight the growing threat of lawlessness as armed groups continue to terrorise local communities.
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In the first incident, Victor Sebei, assistant chief of Kong’asis Sub-Location in Tiaty East, Baringo County, was killed on Friday afternoon in Chepilat during a confrontation between security officers and armed bandits.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed the incident, saying they had deployed more personnel to pursue the gang.
He also said the clash happened as officers pursued criminals who had stolen over 70 goats and sheep from Ng’aratuko village the previous night.
This attack follows a series of deadly raids in the region.
Just a week ago, bandits killed a man in Ng’aratuko, days after being repulsed by a multi-agency team comprising the General Service Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit and police reservists.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 10 people have lost their lives to banditry in the area, with livestock theft, revenge killings, and inter-community conflicts fuelling the violence.
In the second attack, Parara Lekiyierie, a former chief of Pura Sub-Location in Samburu Central, was shot dead on Saturday when armed assailants stormed his home in broad daylight.
Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Titus Omanyi described the attack as a “pure banditry incident” and mourned Lekiyierie as a respected leader who had worked tirelessly for peace.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the attackers, who are believed to have fled to nearby caves.
The killing comes amid a rise in violent incidents in Samburu County, including last week's attack in Kilepoi, Baragoi, where six people were killed and eight injured in a cattle raid.
In another incident, gunmen ambushed a police-escorted bus along the Maralal-Baragoi road, killing two passengers and injuring several others.
A prison officer was also shot dead on the same road when bandits attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects to a mobile court in Charda, allowing eight remandees to escape.
24-hour ultimatum
The government has responded by issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to locals to surrender illegal firearms, warning of forceful disarmament for non-compliance.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat said a multi-agency team under the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) had been deployed to flush out 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 among those under ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
The operation has led to a general decline in banditry attacks in the larger north rift and other surrounding areas in the past year.
At least 172 illegal firearms were last year recovered in ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
The operation has also seen a significant drop in cattle rustling cases, the Ministry of Interior said.
Cattle rustling
The operation has led to a 62 per cent reduction in the number of cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668 — a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle.
Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected during mop-up exercises, and 10,173 livestock have been recovered,” a statement from the Ministry of Interior said.
During the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted.
Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government security initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as “disturbed” and “dangerous,” in the operation that brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
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