Bandits ambushed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers in Kainuk, Turkana County, in what was perceived as a revenge mission.
Rift Valley regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, February 22.
The armed gang, he stated, attacked the officers but were repulsed in a fierce shootout that led to the arrest of two.
Reports indicated that the bandits were rebelling against the enforced radical measures by the government to tame their operations.
"The only incident we had was in Kainuk, where bandits attempted to raid the police and attack members of the KDF.
"I think they met what they were looking for, they were repulsed, and we arrested two bandits," Hassan stated.
Locals also suspected that the bandits were regrouping before carrying out more attacks.
One of the residents noted that larger groups of armed bandits were spotted in their usual areas at 11 am.
In the ongoing operations, the bandits lost their firemen, and some were killed, injured, or arrested, fueling their need to revenge.
Meanwhile, while addressing the press, the regional commissioner informed that over 20 guns had been recovered in counties heavily affected by banditry.
"We urge more residents to surrender illegal firearms on their hands. We are not extending the amnesty, anyone who is willing to surrender the firearms let them surrender," he requested.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki declared war on bandits terrorising residents.
On February 13, Kindiki announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties.
Kenya also contacted Uganda, asking President Yoweri Museveni, to organise a counter-operation to flash out bandits crossing into the neighbouring country.
