Wamuzi News KeA police officer lost his life on Monday after a group of eight detainees managed to escape following an ambush by suspected Turkana bandits on a police convoy in Samburu County.
The attack unfolded at Charda along the Maralal-Baragoi-South Horr road while officers were transporting prisoners from Maralal GK Prison to Baragoi for a scheduled mobile court session.
Marti Police Station Commander Robert Amuke confirmed the tragic loss, identifying the slain officer as a constable who had been driving the escort vehicle.
“At around 7:00 PM on Monday, I was informed that officers from Baragoi Police Station, who were escorting detainees, had been ambushed by individuals believed to be Turkana bandits,” Amuke told reporters.
Reports indicate that the officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the attack, which proved fatal.
Authorities also suspect that the attackers seized an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition, as one firearm remained missing from the scene.
In response to the assault, a multi-agency task force—including the Kenya Defence Forces and various police units—was deployed to track down the escaped detainees and the assailants.
During the operation, security personnel successfully located two officers who had taken cover in a dense thicket while holding onto their weapons, determined to continue their pursuit of the attackers.
Despite the ongoing search, two police escort officers and the escaped detainees remain unaccounted for.
Investigations have revealed that the fugitives were facing serious charges, including defilement, gang-related sexual offenses, possession of illegal firearms, murder, and violent robbery.
The body of the fallen officer was moved to Baragoi Sub-County Hospital Morgue as authorities intensify their probe into the attack.
This escape follows a separate incident on Sunday, January 26, when eight inmates broke out of Wundanyi Prison by scaling the facility’s roof.
