Police Officer Shot Dead in Fierce Gunfight with Cattle Rustlers
Share
A police officer was killed on Friday, June 19, during a violent exchange of gunfire between security officers and suspected cattle rustlers in Trans Mara South Sub-county, Narok County.
The officer, Administration Police Constable Joseph Owino, died during an operation to recover cattle stolen from the Kuria community in Migori County.
Police said the incident happened in the afternoon during a pursuit mission.
Officers from Angata Barrikoi Police Station and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) were on patrol at around 4 p.m. when they received reports of stolen cattle in the Gwitembe area.
The security team followed the suspects and tracked them to the Keturo area.
There, they came face to face with about 40 armed youths.
Police said the officers were ambushed immediately after arriving, leading to a gun battle that lasted for about one hour.
During the exchange, Constable Owino was fatally injured.
His body was later taken to Kilgoris Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem will be carried out.
Police also confirmed that four fragmentation grenades were used during the operation.
Cattle Rustlers Triggered the Operation
The violence followed an earlier cattle raid in Gwitembe, Migori County, where armed rustlers stole 20 head of cattle.
The attackers then fled toward Trans Mara South, triggering the security response.
A herder who was caught in the chaos suffered a minor injury to his left leg while escaping.
He was treated at Ntimaru Sub-County Hospital and later discharged in stable condition.
Also Read: MP Wanjiku Muhia Claims Driver Abducted, Security Withdrawn After Rigging Allegations
Security Operations Intensified
Police said they have stepped up operations in the area to pursue the attackers, recover the stolen cattle, and arrest those involved.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Trans Mara South have also launched investigations into the incident.
The region remains under a wider security operation targeting cattle rustling.
Kerio Valley Shows Signs of Recovery
Meanwhile, the Kerio Valley region, long affected by banditry and insecurity, is now experiencing gradual recovery following intensified government security operations.
The area, once described as a “valley of death,” is now seeing improved stability and renewed development activity.
Interior Cabinet Secretary said the new security strategy has helped reopen the region for development.
He said communities are now benefiting from infrastructure and livelihood programmes that had stalled for years.
Disarmament and Changing Lives
Authorities report that more than 400 illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered in the region.
This move has helped reduce violence and encouraged some former bandits to turn to farming and other livelihoods.
“We lived like birds, always on the run, dodging bandits. There was no life here,” said resident Paul Yator, who now works as a mango farmer in Tot.
He added that improved security has given him hope and stability.
Murkomen on Long-Term Peace Plan
Murkomen said the government is investing in both security and development to sustain peace in the region.
He noted that the Kerio Valley has strong potential in agriculture, energy, minerals, and tourism.
“The Kenya Kwanza administration continues to invest heavily in security and infrastructure development. This investment has started paying dividends,” he said.
He also revealed plans to expand security roads, improve mobile network coverage, and strengthen cooperation with local leaders.
Murkomen met MPs from Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties to review progress and plan next steps.
“We will sustain peace and accelerate development across the five counties,” he added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen after a meeting with the Baringo chiefs on May 28
PHOTO/Star
