Two police officers wounded after gunmen attack Laikipia camp

Police said about ten gunmen attacked the camp forcing the team present to fight for their safety.

In Summary
  • The motive of the attack was not immediately established but police suspect the gang was diverting their attention as they planned to stage an attack elsewhere.
  • This came after  Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat visited the area in his inaugural trip there.
SHOOTING
SHOOTING

At least two police officers were Thursday night shot and wounded when gunmen raided their camp in Katunga, Laikipia County.

Police said about ten gunmen attacked the camp forcing the team present to fight for their safety.

The motive of the attack was not immediately established but police suspect the gang was diverting their attention as they planned to stage an attack elsewhere.

The attack happened at about 7 pm.

This came after  Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat visited the area in his inaugural trip there.

The team at the camp said they repulsed the gunmen after an exchange of fire.

It was then they discovered two officers had been injured.

Police said one officer was shot and wounded in the right rib and small finger of the left hand.

A second officer was shot in the left elbow, police said.

The team raised an alarm and their Doldol counterparts responded to the scene and rescued the officers.

The two injured were taken to Laikipia North Sub-county Hospital - Doldol where they were attended to and referred to Nanyuki County Referral Hospital.

Police however said Friday that no report had been received of any stock theft.

All camps within Laikipia North were put on high alert together with those in neighbouring counties of Isiolo and Samburu, police said.

The area is among those badly affected by the cattle rustling menace.

Lagat toured the region as his team fought with the bandits.

He said he wants police officers to know the people are their employers and need to be served better.

"I am keen on service delivery to the members of the public, your accountability and responsibility for your actions,” Lagat said.

He had also toured several police stations including Wanguru and Embu.

Among others, the government is shifting its focus to education as a long-term solution for peace and economic growth in the North Rift.

The region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling, conflict, and insecurity, is in urgent need of educational infrastructure and resources.

To address this issue, the government has initiated several programs aimed at improving access to education in the area.

Such initiatives include constructing new schools, equipping them with adequate facilities, and providing learning materials to students.

“Education is one of the surest ways for breaking the cycle of insecurity in the North Rift. It offers a clear path for economic progress while reducing the chances of communities resorting to conflict and criminal activities,” said Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki.

As a part of this strategy, legislators and the County governments are being engaged to help students develop the skills and education needed to tame the unrest in the North Rift and explore career opportunities.

These programs involve partnerships with government agencies, the private sector and professionals from different sectors who will offer guidance, motivation, and support to students throughout their education journey.

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