A member of the National Police Reserve tragically lost his life during a bandit attack in the village of Kepenguria, located in West Pokot County.
Authorities reported that Clement Lokwailap was shot in the abdomen by unidentified assailants in the Apolo area and unfortunately passed away shortly after arriving at Ortum Missionary Hospital.
His remains have been transferred to the Cheranganyi Nursing Home Mortuary, where a postmortem examination is pending.
According to witnesses, Lokwailap was conducting his regular patrol in the Apolo area when he was ambushed on Saturday, February 1. The attackers made off with his G3 rifle and two magazines containing an undisclosed number of rounds.
Concerns are rising regarding potential retaliation following this incident. In response, police have intensified patrols in the region to combat such attacks, which have resurfaced after a period of relative calm.
Additional resources have been deployed to bolster operations aimed at curbing banditry. This effort has contributed to a noticeable decrease in bandit-related incidents across the broader North Rift and neighboring regions over the past year.
Last year, ongoing efforts under Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift resulted in the recovery of at least 172 illegal firearms. The Ministry of Interior has also reported a significant reduction in cattle rustling cases as a result of these initiatives.
