The incident occurred in Igambang’ombe subcounty on Thursday evening when a group of about six armed men stormed a homestead at around 7pm, causing panic before launching the attack.
Police said the gang, allegedly armed with a firearm and crude weapons, first attacked and fatally injured David Muchiri, 32, at the entrance of the home.
The attackers reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to scare away residents before entering the house, where they killed Deborah Muthoni Nyagah, 68.
Two other victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Chuka General Referral Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were moved to the hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examinations.
Police said the motive of the attack had not yet been established, but investigations are ongoing. The attackers escaped and remained at large by the time of reporting.
Tension remains high in the area amid fears of possible retaliatory attacks linked to the incident.
In a separate incident in Meru County, an operation to recover stolen livestock turned deadly after a National Police Reservist officer was shot and killed during a confrontation with suspected bandits.
The incident occurred on Thursday at around 3:43pm in the Ntomithea Dam area of the Igembe Central subcounty.
Police said a joint team of officers and NPR personnel had been pursuing stolen livestock when they encountered about 11 armed suspects believed to be rustlers.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued during the confrontation.
During the shootout, NPR officer John Karithi Kanyaru was hit in the chest and left hand. He was rushed to Guardian Hospital in Kangeta, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police said the operation led to the recovery of about 40 cows and 20 goats, which were returned to their owners who had joined the pursuit.
The deceased officer’s G3 rifle was recovered at the scene and handed over to another NPR officer.
Security agencies have since launched further operations to pursue the attackers and restore order in the affected areas.
Authorities said the region remains vulnerable to recurring livestock theft and banditry incidents, despite ongoing security operations aimed at curbing the menace.
