At least five people, including two police officers, were killed in a bandit ambush in Gotu, Isiolo County.
This came as security agencies face renewed pressure to address escalating cattle-rustling attacks in the region.
The victims included two officers attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), a member of the National Police Reserve (NPR), and two civilians.
According to police, the victims were part of a team pursuing suspected bandits who had stolen livestock when they were ambushed by armed gunmen on Wednesday morning. The attackers had fled by the time police responded to the scene.
Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet led a security team to the area following the attack, which sparked concern among residents and renewed demands for stronger action against banditry.
The incident came a day after a separate cattle-rustling attack in Igembe Central, Meru County, where a herdsman was shot and killed.
Police said the September 15 incident involved the theft of more than 120 cattle. One of the herders, identified as Haron Mwira, was shot in the left knee during the attack.
Mwira was rushed to Guardian Hospital in Kangeta but later succumbed to excessive blood loss. His body was transferred to the Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where it is awaiting autopsy.
The attacks have heightened concerns over cattle rustling in Isiolo and Meru, with authorities noting that some suspected attackers cross into the areas from neighbouring counties despite heavy security deployment.
Both counties are among those covered by Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government security initiative targeting banditry and other forms of violent crime in the northern and Rift Valley regions. The operation also covers Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit counties.
The government has said its approach combines security operations with long-term investments and sustainable development initiatives intended to address the underlying causes of insecurity.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously said the long-term objective is to empower communities to participate in combating livestock theft and pursue legitimate economic and nation-building activities.
Governor Condemns Attack
On Wednesday, Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo condemned the Gotu attack, describing the loss of lives as “deeply saddening and unacceptable.”
Guyo said recurring bandit attacks were causing fear, disrupting livelihoods and undermining peace in local communities.
He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen and national security agencies to strengthen operations in Gotu and neighbouring areas, including enhanced patrols and intelligence gathering.
“The people of Isiolo deserve to live and work in peace and security,” Guyo said.
The governor expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for decisive action against those responsible.
“We must act urgently and decisively to prevent further loss of innocent lives,” he added.
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