Police Inspector Killed in Isiolo Bandit Attack After Haiti Mission

A Kenyan police officer who had recently returned from a security mission in Haiti has been killed in a bandit attack in Gotu, Isiolo County.

According to reports, Chief Inspector Adan Isaak Somo, who was attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), was among five people killed during an ambush in the area on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Somo and the victims were part of a group that had travelled to search for the body of an elderly man who was allegedly killed by suspected bandits at Madho Gurba Huka, a grazing area in Chari Ward, the previous day.

However, the group was reportedly ambushed by suspected bandits, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security officers.

A resident of Gotu said three elders who had joined the search party were also among those reportedly killed in the attack.

Isiolo Governor Condemns the Attack

While confirming the incident, Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo condemned the attack and expressed concern over continued insecurity in the area.

“I strongly condemn the latest bandit attack in the Gotu area that has claimed the lives of five people, including two police officers. It is deeply saddening and unacceptable that our people and security officers continue to lose their lives to armed banditry,” Guyo said.

Guyo said the repeated attacks were causing fear among residents, disrupting livelihoods and undermining peace in local communities.

He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and national security agencies to strengthen security operations in Gotu and surrounding areas.

The governor also urged authorities to enhance patrols and intelligence gathering and take action against those responsible for the attacks.

Chief Inspector Somo Haiti Mission and Rising Banditry in Isiolo

Chief Inspector Somo had previously served in Haiti as part of the Kenyan police contingent deployed to support international security efforts in the Caribbean country.

Reports state that the officer had survived an attack while serving in Haiti before returning to Kenya and later being deployed to Isiolo, where he reportedly lost his life in the Gotu bandit attack.

Meanwhile, the latest incident comes amid a series of reported bandit attacks in Isiolo and neighbouring areas in recent months.

Last week, a police constable was reportedly shot when an ASTU patrol team was ambushed by suspected bandits in Kakili, Burat Ward.

In August, two people were also killed in a suspected bandit attack along the Meru-Isiolo border.

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Photo showing Chief Inspector Somo, who was killed in an Isiolo bandit attack on September 16, 2026. Photo/ Bonaya Happi / X