By Trend News Line 2024-04-01 01:00:00.
Notorious Bandit killed in police Shootout
A notorious bandit, Simon Egielan Lopongorei, aged 37, was among three individuals who met their demise during a police shootout at Lorugum village in Turkana county. Lopongorei, who had three active court cases for robbery with violence, gang-rape and threatening to kill, had been under investigation for a series of unresolved violent crimes, including highway robberies, stock theft and possession of illicit firearms for hire within Loima subcounty.
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Association with Lokucha Ngeruk
Lopongorei’s close associate, Lokucha Ngeruk, also known as sharpshooter and aged 39, was another suspect killed in the shootout. Ngeruk was on the run after being identified as the killer of a police officer at Kangalita three months prior. He was allegedly part of a group that organised an ambush on the then-Lorugum police station commander on December 28, 2023, resulting in the injury of the officer and the death of an alleged accomplice of Ngeruk.
Third Victim: Liya Logumo
The third individual slain during the shootout was identified as 21-year-old Liya Logumo. Efforts are underway to trace the other bandits who managed to escape the scene, with police recovering 10 spent cartridges from the area.
Improved Security in Turkana County
Turkana County, once plagued by banditry, has seen a significant improvement in security following the implementation of Operation Maliza Uhalifu a year ago. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki noted that the recruitment, training and deployment of National Police Reservists (NPRs) have restored peace to the Kitale-Lodwar Highway and various other areas within Turkana County that were previously insecure.
Challenges Remain
Despite the progress, occasional attacks persist in areas bordering Turkana-West Pokot and near Kenya’s borders with Uganda and South Sudan. Kindiki highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges during a recent meeting with Turkana County Security and Intelligence Agency heads in Lodwar Town.
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Impact of Banditry
Cattle rustling, a prevalent issue in northern Kenya, has evolved into an organised criminal enterprise that has devastating effects on pastoral communities. Kindiki emphasised that banditry not only leads to loss of livelihoods but also exacerbates poverty in the rangelands, fueling communal tensions and retaliatory attacks.
The government’s efforts to combat banditry involve making it a costly venture for perpetrators and supporting the recovery of stolen livestock. By incentivising information leading to recoveries, the government aims to disrupt the cycle of violence and ensure the safety and prosperity of communities in Turkana County..
1. Notorious bandit Turkana shootout police
2. Bandit killed Turkana shootout police.
