A Form Two student from St. Joseph Ntimaru Secondary School in Migori County has succumbed to gunshot injuries following a deadly banditry attack in Ntimaru, Kuria East.
The 16-year-old student was shot during the October 22, 2025, incident, when armed bandits raided the area and made away with an unknown number of livestock. He was rushed to a hospital in Kisumu for emergency treatment but sadly died from his injuries while receiving care.
The tragic news has left residents of Ntimaru and the wider Kuria community in shock and mourning, as calls grow for the government to strengthen security in bandit-prone regions.
Rising Insecurity and Cattle Rustling
According to police reports, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately during the raid before escaping with livestock. The student, who was caught in the crossfire, sustained severe injuries that proved fatal.
His body has since been moved to the Kisumu County Mortuary pending a postmortem examination, as police continue investigations into the attack.
Authorities have expressed concern that cases of armed cattle rustling in Kuria East have been on the rise, despite continued security operations aimed at restoring peace.
“We have noted that some locals are now acquiring firearms for retaliation, which is worsening the situation,” a police source revealed.
Security Reinforcements Deployed
In response to the increasing tension, additional police and anti-stock theft units have been deployed to the region. Officials say operations are ongoing to trace and recover stolen livestock, believed to have been sold in neighboring counties and across the border.
Local leaders have urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“We must prioritize dialogue and law enforcement over revenge attacks. Retaliation only fuels more suffering,” said one area elder.
Separate Incident in Laikipia
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer in Doldol, Laikipia County, accidentally shot and injured his four-year-old daughter.
Reports indicate that the child sustained gunshot wounds to her hand and rib cage and was rushed to hospital, where she is now in stable condition.
Police are investigating the incident, with the officer expected to face disciplinary action once inquiries are complete.
