Protests rock Turkana after KDF are linked to killing of police reservists
By K24 Digital Reporter, October 26, 2025Tension remains high in Turkana following claims that two National Police Reservists (NPR) were killed by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers in the Kaputir area.
The incident has sparked widespread protests on Sunday, October 26, 2025, across Kaputir, Kalemorok, and Kainuk as residents condemned the killings and demanded justice.
Angry residents barricaded the main Lodwar–Kitale highway in Kalemorok, blocking transport with stones, thorns, and burning tyres.
The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill, leaving travellers stranded for more than twenty-four hours. Drivers and passengers were forced to spend the night in the cold as they waited for the road to reopen.
Highway blocked overnight
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, who visited Kalemorok to calm the situation, condemned the incident and called for the immediate withdrawal of all KDF forces from Turkana, accusing them of causing unnecessary loss of life.
He said reports indicated that the two officers, who were on a motorbike returning from their duty of protecting the Logum community along the River Turkwel irrigation bank, were shot by KDF officers.
“One was shot in the head, the other in the chest and leg, both fully dressed in official NPR uniforms and carrying government-issued firearms,” the governor stated.
Leaders demand justice
The region has been grappling with rising insecurity in recent weeks. Within the past week alone, three Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) have been killed, while another officer is receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at Lodwar County Referral Hospital.
Governor Lomorukai assured residents that the county leadership would engage senior officials in the Ministry of Defence to ensure justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.
He emphasised the need to flush out bandits hiding in the Turkana South Game Reserve as part of efforts to restore peace in the North Rift region.
The governor added that the game reserve is a protected area under county management and should not be unlawfully occupied.
Call for calm
Turkana County Woman Representative Cecilia Ngitit also condemned the killings, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for the affected families.
She said recovered cartridges from the scene pointed to the use of excessive force.
Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi noted that previous KDF leadership in the area had maintained peace effectively, but security has since deteriorated.
He described the killings of the NPR officers as “very unfortunate” and called on the KDF command to investigate the matter and restore public confidence.