Five People, Including Two Police Officers, Reportedly Killed in Isiolo Bandit Attack
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, September 16, as he condemned the attack and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
According to reports from the area, the victims were part of a group that had travelled to search for the body of an elderly man who was allegedly killed by suspected bandits at Madho Gurba Huka, a grazing area in Chari Ward, on Tuesday.
The search mission reportedly came under attack by suspected armed bandits, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security officers.
A resident familiar with the incident said three elders who had joined the search party were also among those reportedly killed.
Governor Guyo expressed concern over the continued loss of both civilians and security officers in the area.
“I strongly condemn the latest bandit attack in the Gotu area that has claimed the lives of five people, including two police officers. It is deeply saddening and unacceptable that our people and security officers continue to lose their lives to armed banditry.”
Guyo said repeated attacks were affecting residents beyond the immediate loss of life, including their ability to conduct normal economic and social activities.
“These repeated attacks are causing fear, disrupting livelihoods and undermining peace in our communities.”
He urged security agencies to increase patrols, improve intelligence gathering and pursue those suspected to be behind the attacks.
“I urge the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen and the national security agencies to urgently strengthen security operations in Gotu and the surrounding areas, enhance patrols and intelligence gathering and take decisive action against those responsible.”
The Gotu attack comes days after another incident in Isiolo in which a police constable was injured when an Anti-Stock Theft Unit patrol team was reportedly ambushed by suspected bandits in Kakili, Burat Ward.
The September 7 incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between security officers and the suspected attackers. The injured officer was taken to hospital for treatment.
Isiolo and neighbouring counties have continued to experience periodic insecurity linked to armed banditry and livestock-related conflicts. Security agencies have responded through patrols, intelligence-led operations and efforts to recover illegal firearms.
In August, authorities reported the recovery of an M16 rifle in Kakili, Burat, during a joint operation involving police, National Police Reservists and other government officers. The firearm was reportedly being investigated over possible links to several murder cases.
The government has also been implementing wider security operations targeting banditry across northern Kenya.
The latest attack is expected to renew calls from residents and local leaders for increased security presence in remote areas of Isiolo, particularly locations used for grazing and livestock movement.
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Five People, Including Two Police Officers, Reportedly Killed in Isiolo Bandit Attack
