At least 19 people have been killed since July in a renewed wave of bandit attacks along the volatile Turkwel border belt between West Pokot and Turkana counties. The assailants have also stolen over 700 livestock, sparking fear, displacement, and rising tension among pastoral communities living in the hotspot.
Security officials say more than 80 banditry incidents have been recorded during the period, prompting the national government to ramp up operations in the troubled corridor. Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, speaking after a high-level security meeting in Turkwel, confirmed that 297 head of livestock stolen in recent raids had been recovered. He, however, criticized the Turkana community for failing to cooperate with the ongoing voluntary disarmament, noting that unlike neighbouring counties which have surrendered more than 1,000 illegal firearms, no weapon has been handed over from Turkana.
Hassan warned that the government would launch forceful disarmament if the voluntary phase continues to stall. He stressed that protecting lives, restoring peace, and securing the livelihoods of affected families remain top priorities. The regional administrator also called out local leaders accused of inflaming hostilities through reckless political statements, saying investigations into incitement and suspected financiers of banditry were underway. Those found culpable, he said, will face prosecution.
He urged leaders and residents from both West Pokot and Turkana to embrace dialogue, unity, and collaborative peace initiatives, cautioning that development in the North Rift cannot take root under persistent insecurity. Security teams continue to patrol the Turkwel belt and neighbouring hotspots, with joint operations targeting both bandit hideouts and livestock theft networks. The government maintains that it is committed to restoring order to ensure communities can once again access education, trade, and essential services without fear of attacks.