4 dead after armed bandits ambush Samburu herders
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 11, 2026Four people, including a suspected bandit, were killed on Saturday, July 11, 2026, after armed raiders attacked herders in Samburu West, raising fresh concerns over insecurity despite renewed government efforts to end banditry in the region.
The attack happened in Nolkera Village, where about 60 heavily armed men, believed to have crossed from neighbouring Baringo County, descended on local herders and attempted to steal livestock.
According to preliminary security reports, the attackers opened fire on the herders, killing three civilians before officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the General Service Unit (GSU) responded from Ntungai and Nolkera camps.
The security officers engaged the raiders in a gun battle, killing one suspected bandit and recovering all the stolen livestock before the attackers could escape.
The bodies of the three civilians and the suspected bandit were taken to the Samburu County Referral Hospital mortuary, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations.
The latest Samburu bandit attack has renewed fears among residents, many of whom have questioned whether recent security deployments are enough to stop repeated attacks that continue to claim lives and disrupt livelihoods.
48 hours after Murkomen’s Samburu visit
The incident occurred less than 48 hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited Samburu County and announced a fresh security operation targeting armed criminals and their financiers.
During a consultative meeting with local leaders and security officials at Lolmolok in Suguta Ward , Murkomen said the government had identified individuals behind the attacks and would use intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across Samburu and neighbouring counties.
“We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS urged people illegally holding firearms in Samburu, Baringo and Isiolo counties to surrender them voluntarily before security agencies begin a wider crackdown.
“I called upon those who have not surrendered their arms in the county and neighbouring Baringo and Isiolo to do so voluntarily before we go for them,” he said.
Renewed push against banditry
Murkomen said the government intends to restore peace in the region by removing illegal firearms, recovering stolen livestock and dismantling networks that finance and support banditry.
He added that security agencies would intensify operations similar to those previously carried out in parts of the Kerio Valley.
“What we did in other parts of Kerio Valley is what we are going to do here until this area is peaceful,” Murkomen said.
As part of the government’s strategy, the CS announced plans to vet National Police Reservists serving in the area before increasing their numbers to strengthen local security.
He also pledged additional investment in roads, security installations and mobile network coverage to improve surveillance, communication and emergency response in remote parts of Samburu.
“We will vet the National Police Reservists in the area and increase their number even as we build roads, security installations and mobile network coverage,” he said.
Murkomen also warned people involved in financing banditry, the illegal gun trade and the movement of stolen livestock that they would be targeted during the planned operations.
His visit was attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Johana Tonui, Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Samburu North MP Eli Letipila, former Governor Moses Lenolkulal and local Members of the County Assembly.
Bandit attacks remain one of the biggest security challenges in northern Kenya, particularly in Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Isiolo and parts of Elgeyo Marakwet. Despite increased security deployments and several disarmament operations, armed raiders continue to target herders, leading to deaths, livestock theft and displacement of families.