Multi-agency security personnel repelled suspected bandits who raided grazing fields near Kainuk Game Reserve in Turkana County, thwarting an alleged attempt to steal livestock.
The incident occurred on September 11, 2026, at about 3pm.
Police said the security team, which was on mobile patrol, responded to the raid and forced the suspected bandits to retreat into the thickets of the game reserve.
During a subsequent security operation in the area, a male adult herder, identified as Poisho Loritareng, was found with fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
Police said the injuries were allegedly inflicted by the bandits.
The suspected attackers later opened random fire towards the Lodwar–Kitale highway, injuring three people in two separate vehicles.
A passenger in a PSV motor vehicle, sustained a gunshot wound to the right lower buttock.
Another passenger in the same vehicle, was shot in the stomach, with the bullet exiting through his back. His condition was reported to be critical.
In a separate incident, a Ford Ranger, was also shot at from the right side. Its passenger, sustained a gunshot injury to the right leg.
The injured victims were rushed to Kainuk Health Centre for first aid and stabilisation, pending evacuation by ambulance to Lodwar Referral Hospital for further treatment.
The body of Loritareng was removed to Kapenguria Hospital mortuary.
Police said multi-agency security patrols had been intensified along the highway to pursue the suspected bandits, prevent further attacks and enhance the safety of motorists and members of the public.
Tensions and attacks have been persistent in the area despite operations launched in the past months. Gunmen have been raiding villages for livestock leaving a trail of destruction and deaths.
The area has been a point of focus in the past months following rising cases of cattle rustling.
The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu aimed at dealing with bandits. The operation has managed to contain crime in the area and other counties amid persistence.
The operation targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties.
Besides retributive reaction, strategic investment and sustainable development have also taken a prominent place among the government’s planned crime control interventions for Kenya’s Northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.
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