SAMBURU, Kenya – At least four people, including a National Police Reservist (NPR), were killed in a pre-dawn attack in Loosuk, Samburu County, on Saturday, prompting a major security operation as police pursue the attackers.
Samburu County Police Commander John Mwai said heavily armed gunmen stormed the area in the early hours of the morning, opened fire on residents and fled into nearby bushes before security officers could respond.
The identities of the victims have not been released, with police saying next of kin must first be informed.
Security agencies have since deployed additional officers to Loosuk and launched a manhunt for the attackers, while detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly raid.
The latest attack comes just days after Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the region for a series of security meetings following reports of renewed insecurity.
Speaking during a meeting with local elders, Murkomen acknowledged that criminal gangs often retaliate whenever security agencies intensify operations against banditry but insisted the government would not relent in its crackdown.
“I want to assure you that this is the beginning of the end. It is always darkest before dawn. I want to promise you that we will end this menace through sustained intelligence-led operations. We will continue these operations until the job is done,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary also urged elders to continue guiding young people and work closely with parents to discourage crime while promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja attended the security meeting alongside other senior government officials.
Police said Loosuk is among areas currently under intensified security operations targeting banditry and armed criminal gangs.
Authorities maintain that the ongoing operation has significantly reduced attacks in recent weeks, despite Saturday’s deadly incident.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing.