Protest has erupted in Kaputir in Turkana South following the alleged killing of two National Police Reservists (NPRs), said to have been slain by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The two NPR officers were allegedly fatally shot on Wednesday, October 22. Angry residents took to the streets on October 23, demanding the arrest of the suspects.
Reportedly, the protesters blocked Kaputir-Kapenguria Road with stones and lit a bonfire, disrupting transport in the area.
Angry residents in the video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke stated that they will not clear the blocked road until the government intervenes and addresses the matter.
Witness reported that the two officers were returning home from duty at the Lokwar Irrigation Scheme, where they had been providing security, when they were confronted and fatally shot by KDF personnel on patrol.
According to reports, one of the officers was reportedly shot in the head, while the other sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and leg.
During the ambush attack, both were in full NPR uniforms and carrying government-issued firearms while travelling on a motorcycle.
Turkana South Member of Parliament John Ariko condemned the killing, terming it 'senseless and heartbreaking'.
“It is deeply disheartening that KDF, whose constitutional mandate is to protect the nation and its people, has instead become a source of fear and insecurity for the Turkana community along the River Turkwel,” Ariko stated.
Lawmaker appealed to the Ministry of Interior and the National Government to immediately withdraw all security officers stationed in and around Aroo Sub-County
“Our hearts mourn tonight for the two gallant officers who paid the ultimate price while serving their country. Their deaths must not be in vain – justice must prevail,” he added.
KDF is yet to address the allegations, with police said to have opened investigations into the deaths.
