A National Police Reserve officer was shot and killed in a bandit attack in a village in Kapenguria, West Pokot County.
Police reported that Clement Lokwailap was ambushed in the Apolo area, sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the stomach. He succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at Ortum Missionary Hospital. His body was later transferred to Cheranganyi Nursing Home Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Witnesses said Lokwailap was on routine patrol when he was attacked on Saturday, February 1. The assailants stole his G3 rifle and two magazines with an undisclosed number of rounds. Authorities fear possible retaliation following the incident and have intensified patrols in the region to prevent further attacks.
Security forces have mobilized additional resources to combat banditry, which had significantly declined in the past year due to Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift. Launched in February 2023, the operation has led to a reduction in cattle rustling, recovery of stolen livestock, and the disarmament of hundreds of bandits. The government has also restructured the National Police Reservists, recruiting and rearming personnel to reinforce security efforts in high-risk areas.
Despite these gains, sporadic attacks persist, prompting continued security interventions, including enhanced patrols, administrative restructuring, and infrastructural improvements to stabilize affected communities.
