Seven Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers were airlifted for emergency treatment in Nairobi after they were ambushed at work by armed militia on Wednesday, November 10.
Two of their colleagues died on the spot after bandits waylaid them at the Kamwenje area, Laikipia West.
A military helicopter picked the seven injured officers from the war zone after a cavalry was sent to rescue them. The military personnel were digging a trench along the Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC) to derail bandits from traversing the region and haunting neighbouring villages.
Insiders reported that the militia further destroyed construction equipment during the gunfight but failed to access and escape with infantry firearms they had targetted.
The incident came a few hours after bandits raided a GSU camp at Kamwenje Police Base. The militia wanted to seize control of the base and steal weapons kept at the armoury.
Two GSU officers passed away in the heavy gunfire that ensued. A third officer was rushed to a nearby hospital after he incurred multiple gunshot wounds.
The army is part of the multi-agency units deployed to flash out bandits and restore peace, security and stability in the conflict-prone area.
Police and KDF noted that the militia is heavily armed, have a well-orchestrated plan and coordinate in groups in their guerilla warfare. The armed men have invaded private ranches in search of greener pastures.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, disclosed that the militia disguised themselves as herders as a tactical evasion measure. Police were warned to be alert at all times as these herders easily breached security measures.
Efforts by the government to peacefully evict them from the conservancies have failed, as the herders were reported to have defied multiple orders. On Thursday morning, November 11, more security personnel and military equipment were ferried to the area to curb the rising insecurity.
"The conservancy remains an active multi-agency operation zone, and the public are requested to remain calm," the National Police Service (NPS) cautioned.
"We have reinforcements on the ground pursuing the attackers,” Rift Valley Regional Police Commander, Fred Ochieng’ added.
Reports indicate that over 20 police officers, reservists and KDF officers combined have been killed in the area in the past months.
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