By Betty Luke
A National Police Reservist (NPR) who was shot dead over the weekend while pursuing stolen livestock in Graton, Laikipia North has been laid to rest at his home in Chumvi village.
The 37-year-old Johnson Sururu had accompanied his five colleagues in pursuit of nine cows that had been stolen during a past raid at a homestead, when they were ambushed by armed criminals.
A fire exchange between the officers and the criminals ensued leading to the death of Mr Sururu. The five others escaped with gunshot wounds and are hospitalized at Nanyuki Cottage Hospital.
The assailants are said to fled towards Sieku valley in Mukogodo Forest, assisted by some local residents.
Local leaders called for sustained efforts from all security stakeholders to end incessant attacks that had resulted in loss of hundreds of lives and destruction to properties.
“We are tired of burying young people every day due to the attacks. It is time our people work towards coexisting peacefully because the conflicts continue to deny us crucial development,” Area MP Sarah Korere said.
Seasoned politician and former Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Francis Ole Kaparo faulted the government for allegedly making declarations to deal with bandits but failing to walk the talk.
He said there was a need for the security officers to pursue criminals who were terrorizing the residents day and night and ‘serve them’ with punishment commensurate to the damage they had caused.
“Change tack and stop engaging bandits on media and instead smoke them out of the forest where they are hiding. We will support you as much as we can to bring banditry to an end,” he said.
A section of Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu MCAs who for one month have been engaging the communities to recover stolen animals and identify criminals carrying out the attacks want leaders to unite and collectively work towards ensuring lasting peace among pastoralist communities.
Led by Mukogodo East MCA Paul Leshuel, the ward representatives said they would not relent until cattle rustling becomes a thing of the past among the pastoralists in Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo and Samburu counties.
“We are not ending the conversation here at the burial. We shall instead get to the bottom of it until we identify who the culprits are. Justice must be served to the victim’s family,” said Mr Leshuel.
Other MCAs present were: Kelvin Lemantaan (Waso-Samburu) and Isiolo counterparts from Ngaremara, Burat and Oldonyiro wards Peter Losu, Nicholas Lorot and David Lemantile respectively.
The deceased left behind two wives and 11 children.
