Turkana Professionals Condemn Deadly Kilepoi Attack, Demand Urgent Government Action

A deadly attack in Kilepoi, Kawap Location, has sparked outrage and urgent calls for government intervention amid growing insecurity in Samburu North. The assault, described as a deliberate act of violence, has left several people dead, communities devastated, and tensions at an all-time high.

In a strongly worded statement, the Turkana Professionals Association, led by Chairperson Ernest Nakenya Nadome, condemned the attack and criticized security agencies for their slow and inadequate response. Despite the presence of multiple security installations—including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), General Service Unit (GSU), police posts, and a military camp—the attackers reportedly carried out their assault with impunity.

"This is not merely a loss of property or livestock," the statement read. "It is a deliberate affront to the cultural heritage, dignity, and very existence of an entire community."

The attack is believed to be part of ongoing retaliatory violence between rival communities, perpetuating a cycle of bloodshed that has plagued the region for years. The group expressed frustration over what they termed state negligence, accusing authorities of failing to ensure impartial security operations and instead allowing ethnic bias to dictate law enforcement responses.

"The dissemination of falsehoods has misled security agencies, exacerbated ethnic tensions, and further marginalized the affected community (Turkana)," the statement added, calling for urgent intervention from Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen to mediate peace talks between the warring communities.

The statement also took aim at sections of the media, accusing them of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the attack. It alleged that fabricated reports had distorted the reality on the ground, fueling public misinformation and reinforcing systemic oppression against marginalized groups.

"The media has a solemn duty to report with accuracy, impartiality, and integrity—not to serve as a propaganda tool that fuels ethnic discord and misdirects justice," the group asserted, urging news outlets to correct misleading reports and uphold journalistic ethics.

Further complicating the already dire situation, the statement condemned another attack in Lowua Laantare and Soit Pus, where suspected Pokot bandits allegedly raided Samburu villages in an attempt to steal livestock. While some animals were recovered, the attack highlighted the persistent insecurity in the region, leaving civilians in a state of fear and uncertainty.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the injured, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence," Nadome stated, calling for urgent government action to protect innocent citizens.

The association has now issued a strong demand for justice and accountability, insisting that the national government end the cycle of violence, impunity, and state negligence that has allowed such attacks to persist. They emphasized that tribal conflicts must not be politically exploited, and urged communities to seek dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace instead of retaliation.

"The time for empty rhetoric is over. We demand that the government acts with urgency, resolve, and an unyielding commitment to breaking this vicious cycle of lawlessness," the statement declared.

As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are now on the government to see if concrete action will be taken to restore peace and security in the conflict-prone region.

The statement concluded with a powerful appeal for unity, justice, and coexistence, urging all communities to abandon violence and work towards lasting solutions.

"Let it be known that we shall not waver in our pursuit of justice, and we will hold accountable all those who seek to undermine the safety and stability of our people. Enough is enough."

With the situation remaining fragile, the people of Samburu and Turkana now await decisive government intervention to prevent further bloodshed.