The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Two children were shot dead in a banditry attack in Laikipia County, sparking tension among residents.
According to police and locals, the November 5 incident occurred in the Naibor area, where the siblings — aged seven and 17 — were grazing livestock when they were ambushed and shot at close range by armed assailants who fled without stealing anything.
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Police officers who visited the scene recovered a knife a few metres from where the children’s bodies were found.
Security has since been tightened, with more police officers and National Police Reservists deployed to the area to prevent further attacks or possible retaliation.
Naibor is one of the regions covered under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government security initiative aimed at eradicating banditry. The operation, which also targets counties such as Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, Isiolo, and Migori, has helped reduce crime levels despite sporadic incidents.
Beyond the security operations, the government has introduced long-term measures focused on strategic investment, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the northern and Kerio Valley regions.
A deradicalisation initiative is also ongoing, which has led to over 600 illegal firearms being voluntarily surrendered in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties over the past two months.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government’s broader goal is to empower local communities to actively fight cattle rustling and embrace lawful, productive economic activities.
He revealed plans to provide subsidised farm inputs and agricultural extension services to encourage residents to return to farming as a stable source of income.
Murkomen further directed a fresh vetting of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to enhance efficiency and accountability in ongoing operations.
“We are not only dismantling the criminals but also breaking the entire chain that fuels the livestock rustling industry,” he said.
He added that NPR officers will now operate under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) to strengthen coordination and improve response to insecurity.
