Five people including two police officers and a police reservist who were killed in a bandit attack on Wednesday have been laid to rest amid demonstrations in Isiolo town.
Residents of Isiolo took to the streets to protest rising cases of banditry and insecurity in the county, blocking the Isiolo - Marsabit highway before anti-riot police intervened.
Earlier, Isiolo County Police Commander Isaac Sang confirmed the attack saying that the police officers had accompanied elders in a search for the body of a man killed the previous day, when they were ambushed by bandits.
The incident comes a week after another police officer was gunned down while on patrol in Burat Ward.
Among those killed is a Chief Inspector attached to the Gotu Administration Police Rapid Deployment Unit camp, who had just returned from the Haiti peace mission.
"The elders had joined security officers and other members of the community to search for the body of an elderly man who was killed after going missing two days ago. We are pursuing the criminals," Mr Sang said.
The five were laid to rest Thursday morning in line with Muslim practice even as residents accused the government of allowing armed bandits to operate freely.
In a statement, Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo condemned the attack terming the killing of five people tragic.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic attack reported in Gotu, Ngaremara Ward, in which five people, including two police officers, one National Police Reservist and two elders, lost their lives.
On behalf of the County Government of Isiolo, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident." Governor Guyo stated.
"I urge residents not to take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions that could further endanger innocent lives," Mr Guyo said.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo called for the transfer of security officers who have served for long periods in the region claiming that some police officers could be aiding criminal activities.
“We have reason to believe that there are officers in neighbouring counties who are colluding with bandits. Some of them have served for more than 10 years and I have shared that information with the relevant government agencies," Ms Dullo said.
Senator Dullo called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the Inspector General of Police to act with speed to restore law and order in Isiolo and neighbouring counties.
