Ekuru Aukot’s Sister Dies In Turkana Bandit Attack

Ekuru Aukot has announced that his sister is among the 11 people killed following the banditry attack in Turkana East, Turkana County, on Saturday, September 24.

The early morning raid happened at Namariat near Kakitetei.

Moreover, the casualties included eight police officers, a local chief and two civilians.

Through his social media, Dr. Ekuru said the bandit strike had claimed his sister, who has left behind young children.

“Dear President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, I just lost my sister  Mary Kanyaman, a mother to little kids, to Pokot bandits in Napeitom. We have also lost the area chief and 5 other police officers. We will Bury them, but fix the insecurity issue in Turkana East,” he tweeted.

Furthermore, Ekuru asked the President and his deputy to address banditry in Turkana County, terming it as “domestic terrorism”.

“I have said it before, we don’t need our soldiers in Somalia. We need them home to deal with domestic terrorism. I just lost my sister because of domestic terrorism from the Pokot bandits. I hope (Dr. Ruto) and (Mr. Gachagua) will deal with this issue,” he added.

Nonetheless, National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso said the slain officers were pursuing bandits believed to be from the Pokot community, who had earlier raided a village and stolen livestock.

“The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had  raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock. A local chief, two (2) members of the public and eight (8) police officers succumbed to the injuries,” Shioso said in a statement on Saturday evening.

Also Read: Turkana:11 People Killed In Ambush

Meanwhile more police officers have been dispatched to reinforce the troops on the ground as they pursue the bandits who are still at large.

“NPS reassures the public that all necessary measures shall be taken to restore security and safety in the region,” the police spokesperson added.