Three police reservists killed in gun battle with bandits in Meru

Three police reservists were killed on Monday evening and their firearms stolen in a fierce gun battle with bandits at Mea in Igembe North, Meru County. 

Several police reservists were injured and are recuperating in the hospital. 

Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said security officers managed to recover all the stolen animals in the 6pm attack. 

"We received the reports of the raid in the Mea area and responded in time. There was a fierce fight and unfortunately, three reservists were fatally shot," Mr Ouma said. 

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A herder from the area said the heavily armed raiders had taken away 87 cattle, 22 goats and seven donkeys before they were overpowered.

"Initially, we were not aware there were too many bandits. The police reservists were surrounded when they managed to reach the area where the cattle were. The gun fight took about one hour," the herder said. 

Since last year, herders in Meru have been calling for a security operation to flush put bandits terrorising the region. 

Speaking in Meru recently, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kupchumba Murkomen said a joint security operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces would be set to target bandits operating in Laikipia North, Samburu East, Isiolo and Meru. 

"I have met all security chiefs from this region and we agreed on setting up an operation base in Kirimon Laikipia to resolve the problem in Mukogondo forest. The bandits have been hiding in this forest. The KDF will lead the operation to flush out the bandits terrorising this area," Mr Murkomen said. 

He said the government is utilising all modern techniques and tactics available to fight cattle rustling and banditry. 

"We will leave no stone unturned in dealing with cattle rustling and banditry. The government is committed to using all modern strategies to ensure our communities are safe and secure," he said. 

dmuchui@ke.nationmedia.com