At least six people, including security personnel, have been killed, in the past month, by in banditry attacks on highways in the North Rift region. 

Bandits in the area are said to have resorted to ambushing motorists on the highways. 

Last week, gunmen ambushed a bus escorted by police on the Maralal-Baragoi road, killing two passengers and injuring several others. 

A prison officer was also shot dead on the same road when bandits attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects to a mobile court in Charda, allowing eight remandees to escape. 

The killing comes amid a rise in violent incidents in Samburu county, including last week’s attack in Kilepoi, Baragoi, where six people were killed and eight injured in a cattle raid. 

Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the attackers, who are believed to have fled to nearby caves. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government has intensified security operations in the region. 

The government has since deployed specialised units such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) to ensure long-term peace and stability. 

The state has also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to locals to surrender illegal firearms, warning of forceful disarmament for non-compliance. 

The area is among those under ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift. 

“The government is committed to sustaining the success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu. We will not rest until all illegal firearms are seized,” said Murkomen. 

Murkomen who toured the region recently lauded the progress made in restoring peace, noting that the operation has led to the reopening of schools and the resumption of economic activities.  

Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli. 

Also in the entourage was Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Hassan Abdi and other security officials. 

The CS called on local leaders and residents to support security efforts by promoting peace and reporting criminal elements to authorities. He emphasised that eliminating banditry entirely requires collective responsibility. 

Last week, two chiefs were shot dead in Baringo County dealing a blow to peace efforts in the region.