One Dead, Six Injured in Night Raid by Suspected Bandits

One person was killed and six others injured in a violent night raid by suspected bandits in Burat Ward, Isiolo County. The attackers, suspected to be from Samburu East and Kipsing, made away with an unknown number of camels after ambushing a herd.

The incident occurred ten PM Saturday night, and a rescue operation launched about an hour later resulted in further casualties. Six individuals were injured in a shootout and are currently receiving treatment at Isiolo County Referral Hospital.

Osman Bidu, one of the camel owners, said he and some ten youths, and a KPR officer had responded to the attack when their vehicle was ambushed by the bandits, who opened fire on them. Bidu, speaking while awaiting surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh, criticized the slow response from security forces, saying residents have been forced to take matters into their own hands without adequate capacity or resources.

Another victim, Mohamed Isak Ali, suffered a broken leg bone after being shot during the ambush. He said they were en route to assist those attacked in the initial raid when they came under fire.

Outraged residents have accused the government of inaction and failure to tackle rampant insecurity in the area. Activist Anab Kassim called for the immediate removal of the Isiolo County Commissioner and demanded a comprehensive, forceful disarmament operation to curb illegal firearms and banditry.

Mohamed Ali, another resident, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to provide a clear plan to address the growing security crisis.

Fatu Abgudo echoed the calls for urgent intervention, urging the government to take decisive steps to restore peace and protect the community from further violence.