Two armed men staged a daring ambush on Friday, attacking a truck full of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Marigat, Baringo County which culminated in one of them sustaining injuries in the process.
According to a police report filed under OB 08/3/11/2023, the truck was heading to Arabal Primary School as part of the government's efforts to renovate learning institutions that had been vandalized by bandits in the North Rift region since June.
The police report details that as the KDF soldiers' vehicle approached the Embossos Road Junction, it was obstructed by two armed civilians.
In response, the KDF officers fired warning shots into the air, but the armed civilians returned fire, sparking a fierce shootout.
During the exchange, one of the armed men was shot in the lower waist while his colleague managed to escape into the jungle.
The injured suspect was arrested for possessing a firearm without a licence.
He was later transported to the hospital by the KDF rescue team and received medical care from KDF medics en route to the hospital.
Reports indicate that the injured individual was in stable condition by the time of publishing this article.
At the scene of the incident, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition.
"The KDF and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) Kasiela security teams are jointly combing the adjoining area in search for the other suspect at large," read part of the police report.
The incident highlights the worrying situation in the North Rift region where the government has been intensifying its efforts to restore peace.
In recent weeks, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has encouraged residents in the region to surrender illegal firearms, offering amnesty and support for those willing to reform and reintegrate into society.
