Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Tuesday, February 14 flew to Kainuk area in Turkana County where bandits have been terrorizing residents.
This is after President William Ruto ordered the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to take over the fight against the cattle rustlers and bandits.
IG Koome sanctioned a carpet operation in Turkana East where bandits killed four police officers and several residents.
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Police spokesperson Resila Onyango said Koome will personally oversee the operation, adding that the IG and police will not let the bandits terrorize residents.
“He is there to ensure that the ongoing operation is successful, and the bandits are stopped from killing people,” Resila noted.
Koome responded to the killing of four police officers and two civilians on February 11, 2023, by sending more specialized platoons to the area.
Bandits attacked the officers and civilians along the Kitale – Lodwar Highway in the Kaakong area of Turkana County where the cattle rustlers also stole several cattle.
The attack also left seven police, including a Sub-County Police Commander, with serious gunshot injuries.
It was reported that the fight between bandits and the police officers lasted several hours into the night before they escaped with a herd of cattle.
