Two herders were shot and killed in an attack in Eyanae Epur in Arim Village, Kibish, Turkana County.
Another herder was shot and wounded in the stomach. He was rushed to the hospital in stable condition, police said.
The attackers, according to the police, are believed to be members of the Dasannech who were on a revenge mission.
This follows last week’s incident, where two of their gang members were killed in a similar attack in the area. The latest incident happened on the morning of November 18, 2025.
Police said a group of the National Police Reserve responded to the scene and repulsed the attackers, who fled.
More patrols have been enhanced in the area to address growing fears of attacks by the gang, police said.
This is the latest such incident in the area amid ongoing operations to tame the practice.
Gunmen from Ethiopia, South Sudan and local groups strike for livestock in a persistent trend.
This has forced the government to take various measures to address the menace.
The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, aimed at dealing with bandits.
The operation has managed to contain crime in the area and other counties amid persistent challenges.
The operation targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties. The operation has also been extended to Migori, where bandits are increasingly attacking and stealing animals.
Besides retributive action, strategic investment and sustainable development have also taken a prominent place among the government’s planned crime control interventions for Kenya’s northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.
There is also an ongoing deradicalisation process in the areas, which has borne fruit, with some locals surrendering their weapons in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties. More than 600 assorted weapons have been surrendered in a two-month exercise.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term vision is to empower the communities to actively take part in the war against animal rustling and undertake legitimate nation-building activities.
He said plans are underway to distribute subsidised agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.
Murkomen ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to bolster operations.
He also announced a new policy shift that institutionalises the command structure of NPR officers, stating they will henceforth be under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) as part of efforts to enhance their operations.
