President William Ruto's Statement After 8 Police Officers Were Killed

President William Ruto has affirmed that cattle rustling must stop after eight police officers and a local chief were killed.

In a tweet on Sunday, September 25, Ruto stated that he had received a full report on the Turkana incident and ordred decisive action to be taken against the culprits. 

"After receiving a comprehensive report on the Turkana/pokot incident that led to 10 security/administration officers losing their lives, I have instructed security agencies to deal firmly,decisively and conclusively with those involved. Cattle rustling will stop na sio tafadhali," the Head of State said. 

The National Police Service (NPS) disclosed that eight police officers, one local chief and two civilians were killed in Pokot following an ambush by bandits. 

In a statement on Saturday, September 24, NPS stated that the deceased officers were in pursuit of bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made off with livestock.

Terming the ambush as cowardly, the police stated that additional security officers have been dispatched in the region to beef up security.

“The National Police Service regrets to inform on the criminal and cowardly ambush by cattle rustling bandits on innocent members of the public and police officers. The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock.

“A local chief, two (2) members of the public and eight (8) police officers succumbed to the injuries. We have dispatched additional officers to reinforce the troops on the ground in beefing up security in the area and pursue the bandits,” NPS said.