- Police Reservist Clement Lokwailap was ambushed and fatally shot in the stomach by armed bandits who fled with his G3 rifle and two magazines.
- He was rushed to Ortum Missionary Hospital but succumbed to his injuries upon arrival, as security forces launched a manhunt for the assailants
- Authorities have intensified patrols and mobilized more resources to prevent retaliatory attacks, with fears growing over escalating violence
A National Police Reservist in West Pokot County has succumbed to injuries after being ambushed and shot by bandits in a fresh wave of attacks that has reignited security concerns in the region.
Clement Lokwailap was on routine patrol in the Apolo area when unidentified gunmen struck, shooting him in the stomach before fleeing with his G3 rifle and two magazines loaded with an unknown number of bullets.
Lokwailap was rushed to Ortum Missionary Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
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His body has since been transferred to Cheranganyi Nursing Home Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The attack has sparked fears of retaliatory violence, as police intensify patrols in the area to prevent further incidents.
Authorities have mobilized additional security personnel and resources to curb rising banditry, a menace that had briefly subsided due to ongoing government interventions.
The assault comes amid the government’s Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, an extensive security initiative launched in February 2023 to crack down on banditry and cattle rustling across nine counties, including West Pokot.
Security forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS), have been actively disarming bandits, dismantling their hideouts, and restoring order in the troubled regions.
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According to the Ministry of Interior, the operation has led to a 62% reduction in cattle rustling incidents, with stolen livestock numbers dropping from 63,054 to 23,668.
Additionally, 172 illegal firearms have been recovered, and 250 suspects—including 14 political figures—have been arrested and prosecuted.
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To reinforce local security, the government has restructured the National Police Reservists program, recruiting and training 1,702 new officers in key bandit-prone areas, including West Pokot.
Furthermore, 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo have been re-armed to supplement ongoing operations.
