A security operation by Police Officers from Loima, has seen three suspected bandits gunned down at Kangalita in Kalemnyang, Turkana County.
The skirmish, which occurred on March 30, 2024, saw the elimination of notorious criminals who had long terrorized the region with their brazen acts of violence and lawlessness.
“Yesterday 30/3/2024, a shootout between NPS Officers from Loima and suspected bandits at Kangalita in Kalemnyang left 3 of the suspects fatally wounded…” read the NPS statement in part.
Heightened Police Operations
Among those gunned down in the exchange of fire was Simon Egielan Lopongorei, aged 37, a feared gang leader with a notorious track record.
Egielan, with three pending court cases ranging from robbery with violence to gang-rape, had been under investigation for a string of violent crimes, including highway robberies, stock theft, and illicit firearms possession for hire within the Loima Sub-County.
“Simon Egielan Lopongorei, 37, a notorious bandit and gang leader who has 3 pending court cases of robbery with violence, gang-rape and threatening to kill; and has been under investigation for a series of unresolved violent crimes, including highway robberies stock-theft and possession of illicit firearms for hire within Loima Sub-County,” the statement reads in part.
Among the casualties was Lokucha Ngeruk, alias “Sharpshooter,” 39, a close confidant and aide to Egielan.
Moreover, Ngeruk had been evading authorities since the killing of a police officer at Kangalita three years ago, followed by an ambush on the Lorugum Officer in Charge (OCS) on December 28, 2023, resulting in severe bodily harm.
In addition, the third individual, Tiya Logumo, aged 21, was identified as an accomplice to the notorious duo.
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Police Recoveries
Recovered from the scene was an AK-47 rifle, accompanied by a magazine housing three rounds of ammunition, alongside spent cartridges – tangible evidence of the intense confrontation.
Further, the bodies of the deceased were promptly transported to Lodwar County Referral Hospital pending post-mortem examinations, while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Loima continued with its investigation.
The successful operation points to the relentless efforts of the NPS in combating crime and restoring peace within the “Dangerous and Disturbed Zones” of the North Rift Region.
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“The National Police Service would like to thank members of public for their continued cooperation in the ongoing Government efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the “Dangerous and Disturbed Zones” within the North Rift Region,” read the NPS statement.
Notably, the police expressed gratitude to the public for their unwavering cooperation, which remains instrumental in supporting government initiatives aimed at fostering tranquility and normalcy in the region.
According to NPS, transitioning to a more peaceful state demands concerted efforts, and they reaffirmed their commitment to upholding law and order, assuring residents of Turkana of continued vigilance against criminal elements.
