Abdi Guyo calls for action after deadly Samburu bandit attack
By Faith Lagat, January 16, 2026Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo has called for urgent security intervention following a deadly bandit attack on a livestock transport lorry in Samburu County that left two people dead, three injured, and cattle stolen.
The attack occurred on Thursday evening, along a key livestock trade route linking Samburu and Isiolo counties, disrupting routine market activities and heightening concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.
In a statement shared on X on January 16, 2026, Governor Guyo said the incident happened as communities from Isiolo and Samburu were engaged in their usual Thursday market activities in Wamba Sub-County.
“Isiolo and Samburu communities were today engaged in their usual Thursday market activities in Wamba Sub-County when a tragic security incident occurred,” he stated.
According to the governor, the attack took place at around 5:30pm when armed bandits ambushed a lorry ferrying livestock from Lolkuniyiani Market. The market is located between Sapashe and Lerata in Samburu County, with the vehicle headed toward Isiolo.
“At around 1730 hours, unknown armed bandits attacked a lorry transporting livestock from Lolkuniyiani Market, located between Sapashe and Lerata in Samburu County, en route to Isiolo. During the attack, two people lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries. The assailants escaped with twelve (12) head of cattle,” Governor Guyo said.
Appeal to security agencies
Governor Guyo urged security agencies at both county and national levels to move swiftly and decisively to restore safety along the affected corridors.
“We strongly urge the Samburu County security team, in collaboration with all relevant national security agencies, to expedite investigations, pursue the perpetrators, and take decisive action to restore safety and security along the affected routes and market areas,” he said.
The Sapashe-Lerata route is frequently used by traders transporting livestock between markets in Samburu and Isiolo, particularly on weekly market days. Such movements are central to livelihoods in the arid northern region, where pastoralism remains a key economic activity.
Condolences and regional impact
Expressing sympathy to the affected families, Governor Guyo conveyed condolences on behalf of Isiolo County.
“On behalf of the County Government and the people of Isiolo, we convey our deepest condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of the deceased. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and wish the injured a speedy and full recovery,” he said.