An anti-stock theft unit police officer was on Thursday, December 31, killed in an ambush by bandits in Chemoe, Baringo North sub-county.
Reports indicated that he and other officers had gone to fetch firewood near the police camp before they were ambushed by bandits armed with AK 47 rifles.
The man in uniform tried to flee from the scene but was fatally shot in the back.
Two other officers suffered minor injuries and managed to return to the camp. The ambush comes months after the slain police officer escaped a near-death encounter.
He along with 5 other police officers survived after a police lorry ferrying 12 police officers was swept by floodwaters at River Kagir, Baringo County.
The officer however managed to hold onto a twig after being swept by the raging floodwaters for over 200 meters. The incident, unfortunately, claimed the lives of the other seven police officers.
The ambush by the bandits has caused residents to flee the area for fear of another attack.
Many residents also expressed concern over the safety of their children when schools resume on Monday, January 4.
The police camp had initially been set up in May 2012 to protect the residents from the continuous attacks by bandits.
Cases of insecurity have been on the rise in the North Rift region.
A recent case saw more than 2,000 residents in Turkana County flee due to constant attacks by bandits. Local leaders have urged the government to boost security in the region.
