Logum, Kaputir Ward, 28th July 2025
(Governor’s Press Service)
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has strongly condemned the killing of a university student by suspected bandits believed to be from a neighbouring community.
Addressing residents during a visit to Logum, Kaputir Ward, the Governor described the incident as unfortunate, inhumane, and a deliberate attempt to destabilise peaceful coexistence between the Turkana and Pokot communities. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and assured residents of swift government intervention.
According to locals, the deceased was a university student on holiday who had taken up water delivery work using a motorcycle to support artisanal miners at the newly opened Kachilangiro gold site. He was reportedly ambushed and killed on-site by armed attackers.
“This was a promising youth working hard to earn an honest living. His murder is unacceptable. My administration will work closely with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice,” said Governor Lomorukai.
He called on Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen to respond to his earlier request for increased deployment of National Police Reservists (NPRs), emphasising that this would significantly improve security in volatile areas.
The Governor noted that Turkana County had prioritised peacebuilding across its borders, citing recent progress such as the Nadapal and Lokiriama peace accords. He pledged to replicate such approaches along the Turkana–Pokot border to ease tensions and rebuild trust.
“While we continue to invest in long-term peace strategies, increasing the number of NPRs—say 50 per hotspot—would provide the immediate security reinforcement needed to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods,” he stated.
Governor Lomorukai warned that the current limited number of NPRs was undermining peace efforts, noting that recent bandit attacks in Kainuk and Napeitom had already eroded community confidence and threatened public safety.
Joining the Governor in condemning the incident, the County Assembly Chair for Public Service, Administration and Security, Samuel Aliwo, expressed concern that the attack had led to the temporary closure of mining activities in the area, further depriving residents of income opportunities.
“We believe this was a calculated attack. If the government does not respond swiftly, these criminals will feel emboldened. We are calling for decisive action within the next seven days,” said Aliwo.
Other Members of the County Assembly, including Samal Etubon (Katilu Ward), Dorcas Epusiye (Nominated), and Michael Aemun (Kaputir), echoed calls for expedited investigations and the arrest of those responsible.
