A transport lorry carrying animal feeds was destroyed in a suspected arson attack along the Lokichar–Lokori road in Turkana County.
The incident raised fresh security concerns in the remote region.
The Mitsubishi lorry was found burnt on the morning of Monday, March 16, near Kapetakinei village, about 30 kilometres east of Napeitom Police Post in Suguta Sub-County.
Police said the vehicle had developed a tyre burst on the evening of March 14 while enroute from Nairobi to Lokori, forcing its two occupants to stop.
The two were stranded at the scene for several hours before they were rescued at around 9:00pm by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers who were on routine patrol. The officers ferried them to safety in Lokori, leaving the lorry behind.
However, when the occupants returned to the scene two days later, they discovered the vehicle had been torched by unknown individuals, with the cabin completely burnt out.
Police visited the scene and launched investigations into the incident. Authorities are working to tow the remains of the vehicle and salvage any recoverable goods.
No arrests have been made so far, and the motive behind the suspected arson remains unclear.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges along the Lokichar–Lokori corridor, a key but sparsely populated route in Turkana County often used by transporters and traders.
The area is among those under a special operation to address cases of cattle rustling. The operation involves disarmament of locals and starting of development projects to help them at large.
The operation targets Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot and Baringo Counties.
Hundreds of guns have been recovered in the exercise. Police say most of the guns have been surrendered in the Kerio Valley region of Elgeyo Marakwet as the campaign spreads to other areas.
The attacks from gunmen have left the area backward as they affect development at large.
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