Major security operation in Kapedo as police narrow down on culprits among them politicians

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan, 19 – When conflict and flareups of violence broke out in Kapedo area of Turkana East earlier last week claiming the lives of several people as well as seeing the destruction of property, many were quick to point the finger of blame at warring communities that have engaged in clashes for years.

The brutal murder of General Service Unit Deputy Director of Operations Emadau Temako on Sunday in the area between Kapedo and Chemolingot however, pointed the government at a different direction.

“What happened is that our senior police officer was murdered, there was no conflict, it was a clear case of a premeditated, planned ambush that was targeting our GSU deputy director of operations,” Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i said on Tuesday.

Two other officers accompanying the slain GSU boss were also injured during the ambush and are currently receiving treatment.

The attack according to preliminary investigations took place against the backdrop of a ritual ceremony in which organized bandits were intentionally charged and adjured by traditional leaders in a form of cultural ceremony.

CS Matiang’i Tuesday said a manhunt operation is already underway for the suspected bandits to be brought to justice.

He warned that “retrogressive culture in the area is protecting negative and criminal armament that disguises itself as cattle rustling.” 

Local leaders are further said to be behind the people funding and sponsoring the lawlessness that has long come to define the area.

“That area has been very costly to us as the security sector, we have lost security officers and wananchi. I want to assure the country on this particular score, we will act very decisively and make sure those involved with that are facilitated to meet with the law, by the time we are done it will be a story to be told in generations to come that there is no violence in that place,” he said.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai on Monday sanctioned a security operation aimed at flushing out the suspected heavily armed bandits as well as pacifying the area.

Already a contingent of GSU, AP, and reservists have been deployed to the area assisted by air support from the Police Airwing and armored personnel carriers surveilling the volatile area.

“I’m asking those that know those people who murdered our senior police officer to surrender them…but if they do not want to surrender then we will still go for them. We will look for them, it doesn’t matter how long it will take us, what resources we will use, we will get them and bring them to justice,” a tough speaking Matiang’i said.

Local leaders are now being investigated by police with the security authorities saying they have gotten away with sponsoring violence for far too long.

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Since the onset of the attacks last week, several people have lost their lives and property of unknown value destroyed.

Learning in several schools also came to a halt with students fleeing the area.

In the coming days, the second phase of the security operation is expected to take effect.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and aid police in identifying and locating the bandits.