NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 16 – Five people, including two police officers, have been killed after a team pursuing suspected livestock thieves was ambushed by armed bandits in Gotu, Isiolo County.

📻 Breaking It Down

The victims included two officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), a National Police Reserve (NPR) member and two civilians, according to police.

The team was pursuing suspected bandits who had stolen livestock when armed attackers ambushed them on Wednesday morning.

The assailants fled the scene before responding security officers arrived.

📌 What You Need to Know

Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet led a security team to Gotu following the attack as authorities stepped up efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and track down the attackers.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over persistent cattle rustling and banditry in Isiolo and neighbouring counties.

The Gotu attack came a day after a separate cattle-rustling incident in Igembe Central, Meru County, where a herdsman was shot and killed.

Police said more than 120 cattle were stolen during the September 15 attack.

One of the herders, identified as Haron Mwira, was shot in the left knee during the incident.

Mwira was rushed to Guardian Hospital in Kangeta but later died from excessive blood loss.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya