Daring bandits continue staging attacks in Turkana and Baringo counties despite the ongoing security operation to mop up illegal firearms in the restive region.In a brazen Wednesday evening attack, dozens of bandits ambushed Kenya Defense Forces and police officers in Kainuk and engaged them in a fierce shoot-out. However, the security officers managed to repulse the armed bandits.
Confirming the incident, Rift Valley regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan revealed that at least two bandits have been arrested in Kainuk, following the attack.
"On Wednesday heavily armed bandits attempted to ambush KDF and police who are currently conducting a security operation in Kainuk, Turkana South. However, the bandits were repulsed," revealed Dr Abdi,who addressed the press at his office in Nakuru.
"We have been able to arrest two bandits in Turkana following the incident and security officers also recovered one firearm," he added.
Tension is still high at Kainuk town near the border of Turkana and West Pokot Counties after residents spotted armed bandits suspected to be on a revenge mission after they were repulsed by KDF and police officers near the bridge.
Locals suspect the bandits are regrouping in their numbers after some of them were either killed, injured or their firearms are taken away during the Wednesday encounter with police and soldiers at Kainuk bridge.
Ms Shirleen Akolong, a trader said that the bandits were by 11 am still gathering at Amolem village, which they usually occupy after they forcefully displaced residentsand in between River Malimalite and the lower side of the town that has a thicket.
"We are in great fear as we have never spotted such a big group of armed bandits," Ms Akolong said.
On Wednesday, the town remained deserted as police officers and KDF soldiers came in contact with bandits near the bridge and at Amolem village.
County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said that the multi-agency security team on usual patrol targeting any civilian brandishing illegal firearm came into contact with the daring bandits.
Kainuk residents said that before the operation began, the bandits and livestock traders from neighboring West Pokot County would either roam freely in town and villages, but at the moment it is not easy to spot one.
