Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo has condemned a bandit attack in Gotu that left five people dead, including two police officers, and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
In a statement on Wednesday, the governor said the attack was “deeply saddening and unacceptable”, as residents and security officers continue to lose their lives to armed banditry in the area.
“These repeated attacks are causing fear, disrupting livelihoods and undermining peace in our communities,” the governor said.
He urged Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and national security agencies to urgently strengthen security operations in Gotu and surrounding areas.
The governor called for enhanced patrols and intelligence gathering, as well as decisive action against those responsible for the latest attack.
“I urge the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipmurkomen and the national security agencies to urgently strengthen security operations in Gotu and the surrounding areas, enhance patrols and intelligence gathering and take decisive action against those responsible,” he said.
The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Isiolo, where armed banditry has continued to threaten communities and disrupt normal activities.
The governor said residents should be able to go about their daily activities without fear, stressing the need for stronger security measures in affected areas.
“The people of Isiolo deserve to live and work in peace and security,” he said.
Governor Guyo also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and wished those injured a quick recovery.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those injured,” the governor said.
The governor called for urgent and decisive intervention to prevent further deaths and restore security in Gotu and neighbouring areas.
“We must act urgently and decisively to prevent further loss of innocent lives,” Guyo said.
The latest incident adds to a string of banditry attacks reported in Isiolo in recent months, fuelling concerns over insecurity and rising tensions in affected communities.
In the latest incident last week, a police constable was shot when an Anti-Stock Theft Unit patrol team was ambushed by suspected bandits in Kakili, Burat Ward.
Earlier in August, two people were killed in a suspected bandit attack along the Meru-Isiolo border.