Isiolo bandit attack

By Rachael Nuru

Isiolo society members gathered for safety and in a meeting with the security officers

Five people were killed after a team searching for suspected livestock thieves was ambushed by armed attackers in the Gotu area. The victims included two Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officers, a National Police Reservist, and two civilians.

There are slightly different accounts of the circumstances in early reports: police said the team was pursuing suspected livestock raiders, while another report says they were also involved in a search for a missing elderly man when they were ambushed.

One of the officers killed was Chief Inspector Aden Somo, who had served for about two years in Haiti before returning to Kenya earlier this year.

Security teams were subsequently deployed to the area, and authorities began pursuing the attackers. The incident has also triggered renewed calls for stronger security in Gotu and surrounding areas.