A police officer and a civilian woman were shot and killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Naisunyei area, Samburu County, police said.
According to police, Constable Julius Muthaura was shot and killed while escorting a lorry carrying cattle from Lolnguniani Market to Achers Post area.
The owner of the cattle, identified as 55-year-old Khadija Ibrahim, was also shot and killed at the scene.
Police said the gunmen also wounded four men who were on the lorry during the ambush. The incident occurred on January 15 at about 5pm.
Police reported that the attackers stole 17 heads of cattle from the lorry before fleeing the scene.
Witnesses said the gunmen had reportedly set up an ambush on the road and opened fire as the lorry approached.
Police recovered the slain officer’s AK47 rifle with 19 bullets at the scene and said it has been kept in safe custody.
A team was dispatched to the area to pursue the gunmen, police said.
The bodies were moved to the mortuary, while the injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo condemned the attack and urged security agencies to investigate and apprehend those responsible.
“We strongly urge the Samburu County security team, in collaboration with all relevant national security agencies, to expedite investigations, pursue the perpetrators, and take decisive action to restore safety and security along the affected routes and market areas,” he said.
Police said the area has experienced similar attacks in recent months despite ongoing operations to curb banditry.
The area is among those covered under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government initiative aimed at addressing cattle rustling and banditry in the region.
The operation targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo counties.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term goal is to empower communities to participate in efforts against cattle rustling and to support legitimate livelihoods.
He said the government plans to distribute subsidised agricultural inputs and provide extension services to residents to support farming activities.
Murkomen also ordered fresh vetting of all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.
“We are coming to dismantle not only the criminals themselves but also to bring down the entire chain that has been the cattle and livestock rustling industry,” he said.