NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 11- Two Kenya Defence Forces soldiers were on Wednesday shot dead by armed bandits in Laikipia, hours after 2 General Service Unit officers suffered a similar fate.
Both attacks happened within the Laikipia Nature Conservancy near the Kamwenje area of Laikipia West.
Eight others, including 7 soldiers sustained gunshot injuries according to security sources. On Wednesday, 4 security officers were killed.
The KDF officers were reportedly digging a trench around the conservancy when they were killed by suspected bandits. This has prompted more operations in the area to get the gang behind the attack.
More than 20 security officers have been killed in the area in the past weeks.
A multi-agency security team is leading an operation to flush out armed bandits in the troubled areas but despite relative calm being regained, the attacks have not been stopped.
While at civilians were on the receiving end at the initial stages of the attacks, the bandits said to be armed with sophisticated weapons have turned their wrath on security officers.
Tens of locals and more so in Ol Moran area have been killed and property of unknown value destroyed during the attacks.
The fight is said to be triggered by a lack of pasture for pastoral communities with political undertones, as a section of residents seeks to have a share of the expansive ranches mostly owned by foreigners.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i led a high delegation to oversee the ongoing operation in the area against armed men.
Matiang’i has since commissioned the construction of new sub-county headquarters to enhance operations.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi had also visited the troubled areas and assured locals of security.
As part of efforts to restore order, Matiang’i announced the creation of a police division at Ol Moran with enough officers to patrol.
Ol-Moran was gazetted as the headquarter for the Kirima sub-county.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
