LAIKIPIA,Kenya, Oct, 28 – Three Police officers conducting patrols at the volatile Laikipia Nature Conservancy were Wednesday killed after being ambushed by suspected bandits amidst an ongoing multiagency security operation.
Rift Valley Regional Commander Fred Ochieng’ confirmed the incident to Shahidi News saying that four other officers deployed on a rescue mission to the area were left injured after their armoured personnel carrier vehicle was involved in an accident within the conservancy.
In total six officers were injured and have since been airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment.
In September a multiagency security team consisting of the Kenya Defence Forces dug trenches along the conservancy in a bid to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
Around the same time,Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i revealed that the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) chaired by president Uhuru Kenyatta resolved to declare the Laikipia Nature Conservancy and its environs as a disturbed area and therefore a security operation zone.
A dusk to dawn curfew was declared in the area.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Edward Mbugua recently reiterated the government’s earlier directive calling on all non residents in the areas designated as security operation zones in Laikipia county to vacate the area with immediate effect.
In a statement Mbugua said that the multi-agency operation will continue in a heightened manner until full normalcy is restored within the affected areas.
“Members of the public are encouraged to help multi-agency teams with information to help clear unwanted elements from the disturbed areas. Those who volunteer information n confidence are assured of their security and safety,” said Mbugua in a statement.
Despite relative peace being restored in the area, residents are still fearful of their lives -As some schools continue to report a low student turnout weeks after learning resumed.
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