Morijo shopping center on the Maralal-Baragoi road in Samburu County.
On the evening of February 10, a routine transfer of remandees from Maralal GK prison to Baragoi mobile court was jolted by an ambush that led to the killing of a policeman and the escape of eight prisoners, leaving security authorities scrambling for answers.
The police officers, who were transporting the detainees on the treacherous, rugged road, had no idea that they were driving into a deadly trap that was mounted by armed bandits in Charda area in Samburu North.
According to intelligence sources, a coordinated group of armed gunmen had been waiting for the police land cruiser [with eight remandees] at Charda area along the route, and , unknown to the police officers, their movements were being monitored in real-time.
Security authorities now believe that someone — possibly related to the bandits — was in constant communication with the attackers, relaying updates on the officers’ location and travel progress.
"There are high chances that there was someone who gave out information from Maralal, but for now, it is hard to tell who called. We are working closely with our intelligence officers and those from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to find out," said Mr Thomas Ototo, the Samburu County Police Commander.
"If you look keenly, you will notice that this attack was planned and coordinated, and there are accomplices somewhere. We will find out," the police boss added.
As the prison vehicle manoeuvred sharp terrains, the gunmen who mounted an ambush in adjacent thickets struck with precision and first targeted the driver — Humphrey Oroba Angwenyi who died on the spot.
Outgunned and caught off guard, the police officers had little time to react as the attackers overwhelmed them, considering the driver could not drive.
In the chaos, the remandees, some of whom are now suspected to have had prior knowledge of the plan, seized the opportunity and made their escape.
Following the attack, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a multi-agency probe into the incident. A major breakthrough came when police recovered a cell phone believed to have been left behind by one of the attackers.
Intelligence officers are currently analysing the device which they believe may hold crucial details about the operation-including call records, messages, and possible contacts of those involved.
"We recovered a cell phone at the scene which did not belong to any of our officers. It looks like it belongs to one of the attackers, and it is crucial for us to find more information. We particularly want to know whether there was prior communication and who they were communicating with," revealed Mr Ototo.
Mr Ototo also revealed that a joint security operation was ongoing in a bid to track down the escapees and apprehend the attackers.
Security teams are combing the rugged terrains in Charda, Mbukoi, and Marti of Samburu North, a region that is on the verge of slipping back to the dark days of organised criminal activities.
He confirmed that police have since re-arrested two suspects and that they will not relent in their pursuit of the others who escaped and even those responsible for this heinous act.
"They will face the full force of the law," Mr Ototo said, even as he revealed that some of the rumandees were set to be sentenced before they escaped.
The eight missing remandees, who managed to flee during the ambush, were identified as Kennedy Lekisaat (charged with defilement), Ewoi Lonyogorot (charged with defilement), Namulem Losam (charged with possession of a firearm), Lorunyei Akware (charged with gang defilement).
Others are Lopasho Ekoriana (charged with gang defilement), Saul Lekisaat (charged with defilement), Lokwawi Adoro (charged with murder/robbery with violence) and Golong Arii (charged with assault/grievous harm).
For local travellers and even police officers alike, the 120-kilometre stretch between Maralal and Baragoi is more than just a road—it is a test of endurance, patience, and sometimes, sheer survival.
The bushy road has gained infamy as one of the most dangerous road in the country because it has been plagued by poor infrastructure, relentless banditry activities, and unforgiving terrain.
The rugged road, which should primarily serve as a vital link between Maralal and Baragoi in Samburu County, is in an appalling state and has now turned into a bandits playground.
Rocky patches and eroded sections make navigation treacherous and drivers are normally forced to drive on up to 20 kilometres per hour.
"We have no choice but to use this road even though it is a nightmare. You are not always guaranteed safety when using this road," said James Leadismo.
"A journey that should take two hours can last up to four, and breakdowns are common," he added.
Beyond the treacherous state, travellers on the Maralal-Baragoi road face a graver danger — bandit attacks.
The region has long been a hotspot for cattle rustling and armed banditry between rival communities, making the road a hunting ground for criminals—where they stage deadly ambushes on travellers and even security officers.
It is now exactly one year since Angata Nanyekie Ward Member of County Assembly Paul Leshimpiro was shot dead by suspected bandits along the road when he was on his way home in Morijo. Since his death, several other travellers have died and others maimed.
The recent deadly ambush on a police land cruiser that was transporting rumandees to Baragoi is a stark reminder of just how bad the situation is along the road.
Public service vehicles, private cars, and even security convoys have previously fallen victim to these ambushes and some transport operators pulling out of the route altogether due to safety concerns.
"It feels like driving to hell," Charles Lesanjore, a driver who frequently plies the route.
"You never know when or where they will strike and they have even mastered the ambushes. Many colleague drivers have lost their lives along this route and the fear is real for me," Mr Lesanjore said.
Police escorts were previously introduced for some convoys, especially buses that transport a huge number of travellers, but sporadic attacks have always persisted and they have sometimes caught law enforcement off guard.
