TURKANA, Kenya, Sept, 25 – Security agencies have launched an operation in Turkana East area after 11 people among them eight police officers were killed by suspected bandits on Saturday evening.
According to preliminary reports, the incident saw the armed gunmen exchange fire during a hot pursuit by security officers.
The area chief and two residents are among those that were killed.
“The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock,” said Police spokesman Bruno Shioso.
It is unclear how many livestock the bandits stole amid a reconnaissance exercise.
The offices are said to have been aboard a lorry in Namariat area when the incident occurred.
Others were left injured as police have since deployed additional boots to the ground.
“The National Police Service reassures the public that all necessary measures shall be taken to restore security and safety in the region,” he said.
Earlier on Saturday Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that he would call a meeting of security bosses in the Kerio Valley in a bid to restore peace in the troubled region.
“This small work of security is my mandate, it’s not President’s mandate. I will personally call the meeting of Kerio Valley leaders and all security officers and I will be the chairman,” said Gachagua.
As a result of the conflict in the area, hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes while others have been displaced.
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