Turkana leaders rage over killing of two police reservists

Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ishuu speaking./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Leaders and residents of Turkana at the meeting in Kaputir./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Residents of Kaputir, Turkana South, at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The killing of two Kenya police reservists in Turkana South on Friday last week has sparked outrage among local leaders in the County.

The two identified as Ayapan Loluk and Simon Lomowas Okaru, serving in Kaputir, were, according to locals, allegedly gunned down by KDF officers stationed at Loyapant camp.

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai on Saturday led a host of local leaders in a hurriedly contrived meeting to defuse the rising tension.

Lomorukai condemned the killings, demanding swift investigations and justice for the slain officers, who were reportedly returning home after providing security at the Lokwar Irrigation Scheme.

“These were officers serving their community with dedication. According to eyewitnesses, they had surrendered and identified themselves before being shot in cold blood. We will not rest until justice is done,” Governor Lomorukai said.

The governor, accompanied by County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto and Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ishuu, visited the bereaved families and later addressed angry residents who had blocked the Kitale–Lodwar Highway to protest rising insecurity in Turkana South.

Lomorukai condemned the “reckless actions” of the security personnel, accusing them of undermining efforts to restore peace in the volatile North Rift region.

He vowed to engage senior officials in the Ministry of Defense to ensure accountability.

“Those responsible must face the law. We cannot have our people gunned down by those meant to protect them,” he declared.

He also urged the national government to intensify the operation to flush out bandits hiding in the Turkana South Game Reserve, warning that the protected area was being unlawfully occupied by criminals.

“The reserve is gazetted land under county management—not a hideout for bandits. We need coordinated operations, not internal killings,” Lomorukai stressed.

Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen termed the killings “unacceptable and barbaric,” saying evidence from the scene, including recovered cartridges, pointed to KDF involvement.

“These were committed officers serving their people. They were in full unform and even went a step further to identify themselves but the KDF officers could hear non of it. I am really pained. I hope and pray justice prevails,” she said.

County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto called for calm and urged leaders to pursue dialogue as a sustainable solution to border-related conflicts.

Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi, who accompanied the leaders, assured residents that investigations had been launched into the incident and appealed for patience as the process unfolds.

Families of the slain officers are crying out for justice, demanding accountability and punishment to those who were involved in the incident.

Martha Enyang, a resident in Kaputir, while regretting the turn of events, called on the government to move with speed and take immediate action against the security officers who were involved in the incident.

“Right now, we are talking about women who have been left as widows. Simon leaves behind 3 wives and 18 children, while Eyapan leaves behind a widow and 8 children. Now who will take care of these families now that their sole breadwinners are gone?” wondered Martha.