A 38-year-old man was shot dead in an ambush by suspected bandits in Kongo Itari area, Tigania East, within Meru County, as efforts to recover stolen livestock turned tragic.
Police said the incident occurred while a group of local residents, accompanied by National Police Reservists (NPR), were tracking hoof marks of stolen animals in Lanyiru sub-location.
The group reportedly came under sudden attack from armed assailants believed to be bandits, who had laid an ambush along the trail.
During the confrontation, Sammy Munoru, 38, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.
The body of the deceased was moved to St. John of God Mission Hospital mortuary, where it is awaiting a postmortem examination.
The attack highlights the continued insecurity in parts of northern Kenya, where cases of livestock theft and banditry remain a persistent threat to local communities.
It comes in the wake of new multi-agency operations in the area and neighbouring Laikipia, Isiolo and Marsabit to address the menace of cattle rustling. Local leaders have protested the incidents prompting police operations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared the area as disturbed and dangerous amid planned operations.
He, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki together with senior police officers have visited the area as part efforts to bolster operations.
At least six people have been killed in the area and livestock stolen in separate attacks.
This has disrupted development in the area at large amid calls to address the menace.
The renewed operation will focus on known hotspots including Mukogodo Forest, Kipsing, Ngare Mara and Milima Lebendera in Isiolo County, as well as Lentana and Sereolipi in Samburu County.
These areas are believed to be hideouts for armed bandits and locations where stolen livestock is being held.
According to Kindiki, additional elite security units have been deployed, supported by enhanced equipment and air assets.
The operation will be intelligence-led and executed across both land and air, with a directive to neutralize threats, recover stolen livestock, and seize illegal firearms.
Security personnel have also been granted authority to use lawful force to protect civilians and law enforcement officers during the operation.
The government has urged residents in affected areas to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies, particularly as some zones may be officially declared disturbed and designated as operational areas.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
