Former Meru Member of County Assembly(MCA) George Kaliunga was shot dead on Sunday, April 30, in a fire exchange between police officers and suspected thieves.
Confirming the incident, Igembe North Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) William Letting stated that the politician and the officers were ambushed while pursuing suspected bandits who made away with 71 goats belonging to the former MCA.
According to Letting, Kaliunga and the officers were trailing the thieves, following their footprints as they drove the stolen livestock towards Kinna in Isiolo.
However, the politician was shot when the suspects ambushed them resulting in an exchange of fire between the two groups.
"The livestock were stolen at Malaene, and the attackers' and herd's footprints were leading to Kinna.
“As they followed the footprints, the criminals ambushed them, and the former MCA was shot. Our officers are on the ground looking for the criminals," Letting explained.
Further, Antubetwe Kiongo MCA, Nkunja Maore narrated the incident stating that he was part of the search team that set out to retrieve the cattle.
“The cattle had been stolen on Saturday night and locals started pursuing them immediately. In the morning we joined them, together with the police. But the criminals ambushed and in the process killed Balala (George Kaliunga),” he explained.
Responding to the incident, Igembe North Member of Parliament Julius Taitumu, noted that he had raised concerns about insecurity in the area when President William Ruto visited the area to launch the uplift of the Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati Road.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Kaliunga’s tragic death, a respected member of the community.
"The rise of banditry in our region is concerning. We must all work together to address this issue and keep our people safe,” he noted.
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza condoled with the family appealing to the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to intervene and end the raids in the area.
President William Ruto on Saturday, April 22, was hosted by Meru leaders including Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and Senator Kathuri Murungi as he rewarded the county for voting for him by launching several projects.
“I want to congratulate the people of Meru because they are good business people. Out of the Ksh835 million borrowed through hustler funds, 68 per cent of that money has been paid on time," Ruto stated.
