11 people killed as bandits raid villages and steal livestock in Kenya

Tension remains high in Samburu County after suspected bandits raided Lolmolog and Morijo villages, killing eight people and stealing livestock.

The latest attack, the second in less than a day, took place on Saturday evening. It followed an earlier raid on Friday that left two people dead in Lolmolog village in Suguta Valley.

During the Lolmolog assault, security forces shot dead three suspected bandits and recovered 200 cattle. However, the attackers managed to drive away 150 cattle. In Morijo, they stole 200 goats.

Local leaders, led by Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit, strongly criticised security personnel at a nearby camp for failing to protect residents. The governor visited affected families in Lolmolog on Saturday and questioned how the bandits were able to bypass the camp, enter the villages and carry out the attacks undetected.

“How did the attackers pass through the camp undetected and stage the twin attacks on the villages?” he asked. Governor Lelelit called for the urgent deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) officers to Malaso Valley, Leparmarai and Chotorar, areas he described as notorious bandit hideouts.

“We have information that the bandits are hiding in those areas. We want GSU deployed there to deal with them,” he said.

Resident Joseph Lengopito urged the Ministry of Interior to deploy more police officers, including National Police Reservists, to prevent further attacks. He linked the raids to the ongoing drought, which has forced herders to move long distances in search of water and pasture, making them more vulnerable.

National Police Reservist Elijah Lolkingeti said he lost a relative in the attack. Lolmolog Assistant Chief Philip Lodumgokiok called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to arm newly recruited police reservists. He also urged both county and national governments to improve local roads, which currently hinder security forces from pursuing the bandits effectively.