This archive report was first published on 1 November 2021.
Laikipia Nature Conservancy has witnessed a series of violent attacks, with the latest incident occurring on October 27, 2021, when three police officers were ambushed and killed.
According to authorities, the officers were traveling in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle when it drove through a thicket overlooking a gorge where the gunmen were hiding. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to flip, and the occupants stepped out, believing it was safe, but were shot by a shooter who had fled the area.
Reinforcements arrived minutes later and fought the shooters who were hiding in the canyons, saving the other officers. The incident left at least six others injured.
Police spokesman Bruno Shioso stated that the conservancy remains an active multi-agency operation zone and urged the public to remain calm. He assured that the multi-agency operations will continue.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i led a high delegation to oversee ongoing operations in the area against armed men. He commissioned the construction of new subcounty headquarters to enhance operations and announced the creation of a police division at Ol Moran with enough officers to patrol.
As part of efforts to restore order, Matiang'i also announced the establishment of two additional police stations in the flashpoint zones, additional National Police Reservists deployed and recruited in the areas, and a training base for elite police units to enhance police presence and serve as a buffer zone between Laikipia residents and invaders from neighbouring counties.
