A police officer was fatally shot, and his firearm stolen during an ambush by suspected bandits along the Maralal-Baragoi road in Samburu County on the evening of Monday, February 10.
Tragic Attack on Law Enforcement
The slain officer, identified as Constable Humphrey Oroba, was part of a police team transporting eight remandees from Maralal GK Prisons to Baragoi for a court session.
The attack occurred near the Charda area, where the officers came under heavy gunfire. Oroba was killed instantly, while his colleagues sought cover in the surrounding bush, awaiting reinforcements.
Gun Stolen, Remandees Escape
Responding officers later found Oroba’s body with multiple gunshot wounds, but his AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, was missing. The body was transported to Baragoi Sub County Hospital Morgue for an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the eight remandees, who faced serious charges including defilement, firearm possession, murder, and robbery with violence, took advantage of the chaos and escaped.
Missing Officers Found Safe
Two other officers who were initially reported missing were later found alive with their firearms and ammunition intact.
Manhunt Launched for Attackers and Escapees
Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers had prior knowledge of the officers’ movements, indicating a possible premeditated assault.
In response, a joint security team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), General Service Unit (GSU), and regular police officers has launched an intensive search operation to track down the escaped prisoners and the perpetrators behind the ambush.
Authorities urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity as security forces intensify operations in the region.
