By Salim Mutuma
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya has said armed bandits that have been a threat to security in parts of Laikipia County were using more sophisticated weapons than those used by police officers conducting an operation in the area.
Speaking after armed bandits torched a primary school in Laikipia West, the administrator said while the criminals used heavy weapons like M16, his officers were using AK-47 and G3 rifles.
Mr Natembeya revealed that the weapons being used by the criminals are mainly used by soldiers from foreign countries who come to Kenya for training.
How the bandits get the sophisticated weapons still remains a mystery.
This comes as tension continues to build up in the area after armed bandits torched a primary school even as security officers commenced a security operation aimed at flushing out criminals from neighboring areas.
The armed group attacked Mirigwiti Primary School on Tuesday afternoon, setting it ablaze before engaging in a shootout with police officers who had come to respond to the attack.
No one was harmed as the school had been closed down and locals fled to neighbouring areas due to insecurity menace.
Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i on Monday announced a massive crackdown in the area that included dusk to dawn curfew in the affected areas.
Hundreds of residents have since then fled to safer grounds as several learning institutions remain closed.
