Three herders killed in clash with gunmen in Kokuro, Kibish in Turkana

At least three herders were shot and killed in a clash with gunmen who were attempting to steal their livestock in Kokuro area, Kibish, Turkana County.

The incident is the latest in a series that have persisted in the area amid police operations to address the menace.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen commended the ongoing security operation in parts of Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya regions.

Speaking during a Sunday church service at AIC Kapsowar Sanctuary in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen said significant progress has been made since the launch of recent security operations.

"The country is largely secure despite a few isolated incidents. The ongoing operations which we launched recently along the Turkana-West Pokot border, Mukogodo Forest around Laikipia, Isiolo and in Samburu, are already yielding positive results," said Murkomen.

He said security agents have been repulsing the attackers every time they strike. He issued a stern warning to individuals abetting banditry, stating that the government will take decisive action against them regardless of their community or political affiliation.

“We will deal firmly with banditry. Those who shield criminals will not be spared,” he warned.

The latest incident happened on February 6, 2026, evening in Merrikuka area, prompting a fierce shootout.

The attackers escaped to a lagoon leading to the Kenya-Ethiopia border, leaving behind the stolen animals.

It was then that three bodies were found. Police said a number of the attackers were injured in the clash and escaped with wounds.

The bodies of the deceased were moved to the local mortuary. The area has in the past weeks, been experiencing a rise in cattle rustling attacks amid police operations.

In Godoma area, Marsabit County, one Mariam Hassan, 33, was found murdered in a grazing field.

She had gone to graze her goats in the area when she was killed by unknown people. Police said they had a clue on the assailant, who is believed to have fled towards Ethiopia.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.

In Loyangalani, Marsabit County, a herder was shot and injured in a clash with suspected bandits. He was admitted in hospital in a stable condition.

The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu aimed at dealing with bandits.

The operation has managed to contain crime in the area and other counties amid persistence.

The operation targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties.

Besides retributive reaction, strategic investment and sustainable development have also taken a prominent place among the government’s planned crime control interventions for Kenya’s Northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.

Murkomen said the long-term vision is to empower the communities to actively take part in the war against animal rustling and undertake legitimate nation-building activities.

Murkomen ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to bolster the operations.

He said plans to distribute subsidised agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.

He also announced a new policy shift, which institutionalises the command structure of the NPR officers, stating they will hence be under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS) as part of efforts to enhance their operations.

The attacks have affected development at large. Most of the stolen animals are driven to urban centres, and in particular, where they are slaughtered and sold as products.