Wamuzi News Ke
A police constable was shot dead early Monday morning while on duty guarding the container of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) (KCSE) examination papers at the Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Turkana County. The officer’s AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, was stolen by the assailants, authorities confirmed.
Ambush and Weapon Theft
Preliminary reports indicate that two officers were stationed at the examination-material container when the ambush occurred. The suspects, believed to be armed bandits, struck at dawn, hitting the officer on the head and fatally wounding him before fleeing with his weapon and ammunition. The stolen gun has triggered a high-level security alarm given its potential use in escalating regional violence.
No arrests have yet been made. Security teams from several units, including the regional branch of the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service (NPS), have been dispatched to the scene to pursue the perpetrators and recover the rifle.
Broader Implications Amid Rising Insecurity
This incident comes at a time of escalating insecurity in Turkana and neighbouring counties, where banditry, rustling and violent raids have claimed multiple lives in recent weeks. Authorities say that at least ten people have been killed in the Turkana-West Pokot border region over the last fortnight.
The theft of a laden AK-47 from an on-duty officer underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the region’s security architecture, particularly in remote and volatile border areas. Analysts warn the weapon could fuel further attacks, putting civilians, exam security and policing operations at heightened risk.
Government Response and Next Moves
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an urgent investigation, with officers tasked to determine the identity of the suspects, trace the stolen weapon and assess how the guard detail was ambushed. Murkomen also directed immediate reinforcement of exam security protocols across all vulnerable counties.
In the meantime, authorities have warned residents in border zones to remain vigilant and report suspicious movement of weapons or armed persons. Security operations under Operation Maliza Uhalifu are being reinforced in Turkana and surrounding counties to counter banditry and weapon proliferation.
