A member of the National Police Reserve was shot and killed in an attack in Walda, Sololo, Marsabit County.

The motive behind the attack is yet to be established, as the assailants did not steal anything from the deceased. His rifle was left on his body.

Police said the deceased, identified as Wako Abduba, was shot by unknown gunmen in an ambush on Wednesday morning.

A G3 rifle with two magazines and 32 rounds of ammunition was found on his body. He had been shot in the back, and his motorcycle was discovered a few meters away.

His missing colleague was later found alive a few kilometres from the scene.

The area has been grappling with insecurity amid ongoing operations to address the menace.

Two weeks ago, armed raiders struck a village in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, killing two herders and injuring two others in Marti area on June 5. The attackers fled with an unknown number of shoats.

Police said the injured victims are in hospital in critical condition.

A police team responded to the scene and recovered all the stolen shoats after an exchange of gunfire with the raiders. The assailants escaped.

Police said a manhunt is ongoing as tension remains high, with fears of retaliatory attacks.

This is the latest incident in the region, which is under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, launched in 2024 to combat cattle rustling. The operation has helped reduce crime in Marsabit and other affected counties, despite continued challenges.

The multi-agency operation also covers Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Isiolo counties.

Besides enforcement, the government is prioritizing strategic investment and sustainable development as long-term crime control interventions in Kenya’s Northern Frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term goal is to empower communities to take part in combating rustling and to focus on productive activities.

He said plans are underway to distribute subsidized farm inputs and extension services to residents to revive farming as a sustainable source of livelihood.

“We are coming to dismantle not only the criminals themselves but also the entire chain that supports the cattle and livestock rustling industry,” said Murkomen.

He also ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) in the region.

Operations are ongoing.