A government-backed security operation meant to curb banditry in South Turkana has taken a disturbing turn after Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers allegedly shot and killed two police reservists guarding a Sh40 million irrigation project last week.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and local leaders, who say the killings highlight poor coordination among security agencies stationed in the bandit-prone region.
The deaths left four widows and 24 children behind, with leaders calling for an investigation and justice for the bereaved families.
Confirming the deaths, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai blamed poor coordination within the multi-agency security team and said he has raised the matter with President William Ruto.
The victims, Lowas Ikari and Eyapan Loluk, were returning home from duty on a motorcycle when they reportedly encountered KDF soldiers on patrol in Kaputir. Witnesses claim the reservists, who were in uniform and armed with government-issued rifles, surrendered before being shot.
Following the incident, locals have demanded relocation of the KDF camp from the interior of Turkana to the border areas with South Sudan and Ethiopia, arguing that soldiers should focus on confronting cross-border militias rather than local reservists.
“The KDF were deployed to protect us, working hand in hand with police reservists who understand the terrain. Instead, they are turning their guns on them. It is as though they cannot tell the difference between bandits and officers,” said Ms Alice Abiyo, a resident.
Governor Lomorukai confirmed that the two reservists were attached to the Lokwar irrigation scheme, a county government project worth Sh40 million. He condemned the killings and called for immediate intervention by the Ministry of Defense, saying the growing tensions and confusion in command among security agencies in the region were undermining the fight against banditry.
“If they had been killed in a raid or for trespassing into a military camp, we would not complain. But according to the information we have, the KDF intercepted the reservists, ordered them to surrender in front of villagers, and later shot them. This must be investigated,” he said.
According to Governor Lomorukai, KDF has sidelined other security agencies and local leaders, leading to confusion that has cost lives, saying the confusion in command has derailed efforts to flush out armed bandits from the South Turkana National Reserve. He said he has spoken directly with the President, urging a review of how the anti-banditry operation is being managed.
“I spoke with President William Ruto on Thursday morning about the confusion within the multi-agency team,” he said. “Instead of focusing on flushing out bandits from the South Turkana National Reserve using their advanced equipment, the KDF are turning on police reservists who are crucial to Operation Maliza Uhalifu.”
When word of the shooting reached Nawoyaregae village, relatives and neighbours rushed to the scene, only to find the two men lying lifeless in their uniforms, their rifles taken away. The soldiers are said to have left shortly after the incident, leaving villagers in shock.
“Our husbands were alive and well when they left home to guard farmers at the Lokwar irrigation scheme,” said Ms Rose Lomowas, one of Mr Ikari’s widows.
“When we found them, they were still in uniform, but their guns were gone. My husband was the family’s breadwinner and paid school fees for five of our children. Now we don’t know where the next meal will come from,” she said.
Ms Alice Lokol, the only wife of Mr Loluk, described her husband’s final journey on the day of the shooting.
“He left with his motorcycle as usual to collect his friend before heading to work. On their way home, they met KDF soldiers. They even surrendered, but the soldiers shot them,” she said tearfully.
“We are devastated, and we just want justice. Our children should not have to suffer for something they didn’t do,” she said.
Turkana County Police Commander John Tarus confirmed that the guns recovered from the scene, as well as the circumstances under which the police reservists were killed, are being investigated by a team from KDF.
“Investigations into the killings of the police reservists are beyond the mandate of the National Police Service (NPS). The KDF is handling the matter,” he said.
Mr Ikari’s mother, Ms Margaret Nakadio, said she had lost her only child and sole source of support.
“My son not only looked after me but also provided security for the whole village. KDF has brought us sudden suffering. If the government doesn’t help us, we don’t know how we shall survive,” she said.
Families of the deceased and other residents are demanding that the government compensate the families and take action against those responsible.
Youth leaders in Aroo Sub-County, led by Mr Peter Ewesit, questioned why the KDF, whose mandate is to defend the country from external aggression, was engaged in operations that have left civilian reservists dead.
“The Ministries of Defense and Interior must review KDF deployment in Loyapat. These soldiers have caused more harm than good. Who will look after the more than 20 children left behind if the government fails to compensate the families?” he asked.
Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Ngitit also condemned the incident, saying that insecurity in the region was now being fueled by mistrust among security personnel themselves, rather than by hostile neighboring communities.
Former Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi stated that the situation had worsened since leadership changes were implemented at the KDF camp in Loyapat.
“When I was in charge of the area before Aroo Sub-County was created, we held regular meetings in hotspot areas, and security was stable. Now, attacks have increased. It is deeply regrettable that we have lost two officers who were serving their community,” he said.
As investigations continue, residents of Nawoyaregae say they are living in fear and uncertainty, unsure whom to trust among those meant to protect them.
