One officer succumbs to bullet injury after ambush in Meru

MERU, Kenya, Nov 15- One of the Police officers who were Friday injured in an ambush by gunmen in a land dispute in Igembe North area, Meru county has succumbed to his injuries.

He was among ten officers from Anti Stock Theft Unit and others from General Service Unit who had been called to the area to quell rising tension between a group of herders and locals over a piece of land when they were attacked by gunmen.

Some were admitted at the Isiolo Level 5 Hospital in stable condition but one succumbed Sunday, one officer aware of the developments said.

Six of the officers have since been transferred to Nairobi for further treatment.

The herders are said to have tried to settle on the land amid resistance from locals who have branded them outsiders and invaders.

And to stop possible fighting, the personnel were deployed to the area since Wednesday.

Local Member of Parliament Maoka Maore said the officers were attacked by around 300 people who were armed as they patrolled the disputed place.

He added tension was building and called for urgent action to address the same.

A team of reinforcement was sent to the area to ensure stability and peace prevails.

GSU commandant Douglas Kanja visited the area on Saturday as part of the reinforcements and to oversee the operation.

Reports indicated the police had zeroed in on the gunmen who are on the run towards Samburu.

Igembe police boss Apolo Abuya said they are determined to ensure safety in the area.