Two injured as bandits ambush Isiolo-bound matatu

Isiolo-Moyale highway

A section of the Isiolo-Moyale highway near Milima Tatu in Samburu where two people were shot and injured by bandits on December 16, 2021. 
 

Photo credit: Waweru Wairimu | Nation Media Group

Two people are nursing gunshot wounds after bandits ambushed a matatu they were traveling in on Thursday at Milima Tatu in Samburu along Isiolo-Moyale highway.

According to Samburu East Deputy Police Commander, Juma Boy, the bandits, numbering about 20, emerged from the bushes and opened fire on the Isiolo-bound vehicle, but the driver drove on for close to a kilometre before he slowed down.

The two, the driver and a passenger, were rushed to Isiolo Referral Hospital, more than 70 kilometres away for treatment.

Mr Boy said a contingent of police officers has been deployed to the area to pursue the bandits who fled after the attack.

Speaking to Nation.Africa, Mr Boy said the attackers are suspected to be Samburu Morans who recently underwent the rite of passage. He said the attackers could have been on the move in search of water and pastures for their livestock.

Mr Boy further urged area residents who are in possession of illegal firearm to surrender them over to authorities.

“We will intensify surveillance by multi-agency security team across the route to ensure safety of the public," he said.

Meanwhile, area residents have called for clearance of bushes and shrubs by the roadsides which offer hideouts for the bandits who have been terrorising motorists along the highway.