ISIOLO, Kenya — Five people, including two police officers, have been killed in a suspected bandit attack in Gotu, Isiolo County, local authorities have confirmed.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, September 16, and condemned the attack, describing it as a serious blow to residents and security personnel.
“I strongly condemn the latest bandit attack in the Gotu area that has claimed the lives of five people, including two police officers,” Guyo said in a statement.
Governor Condemns Attack
Guyo said the continued loss of lives to armed attacks was unacceptable and had heightened fear among residents.
“It is deeply saddening and unacceptable that our people and security officers continue to lose their lives to armed banditry,” he said.
He added that repeated attacks were disrupting livelihoods and undermining peace in communities across the region.
Details of Attack Remain Limited
Details surrounding the circumstances of the attack, including the identities of the other three victims and the suspected attackers, were not immediately available.
The incident was being reported as a suspected bandit attack, with further information expected from security agencies as investigations continue.
The National Police Service has operational responsibility for security in Isiolo, which falls under its Eastern Region command.
Isiolo Faces Recurring Insecurity
The latest incident comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in parts of Isiolo County.
In August, senators raised concerns over a series of violent incidents in the county and called for additional security measures, including increased patrols, deployment of personnel and improved response capacity.
In June, Parliament also discussed insecurity and violent crime in Isiolo, with national security agencies outlining measures including intelligence-led operations and intensified patrols in identified hotspots.
Further details on Wednesday’s Gotu attack are expected as security agencies establish what happened and pursue those responsible.
