Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit on Saturday, April 1, narrowly escaped an attack by armed gunmen while opening Pura Primary School in Nolkera, Samburu County.
Lelelit stated that officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) and National Police Reservists (NPR) acted swiftly after the eight gunmen surrounded the school.
The county boss noted that he and other county leaders were forced to take cover as the officers repulsed the suspected bandits.
"The school was closed down as a result of bandit attacks. Criminals numbering eight attacked us, but we escaped unhurt and are safe," he stated.
Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe claimed that the assailants were sent to end their lives as the attack was strategic.
Other leaders who survived the attack include Women Representative Pauline Lenguris and Education Chief Administrative Secretary Elly Loldepe.
Lelelit called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to end the ongoing military operation in the county and offered an alternative to deal with the menace.
"We want the national government to give us more National Police Reservists to help in fighting banditry in Samburu. The highly hyped sWe want Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to know that there is no security operation taking place in Samburu,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Samburu County Commissioner Henry Wafula cautioned Kenyans against traveling to the county and other areas earmarked as disturbed and dangerous.
The attack came barely days after Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda threatened to lead demonstrations to State House and Kinfiki's office over the military operation.
Lesuuda claimed that members of her community were attacked by bandits despite the heavy military presence.
The lawmaker reckoned that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers should allow the locals who vacated their land to pave way for the operation to go back to their farms and plant crops.
