The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed a dramatic incident involving a multi-agency security team in Isiolo County on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
During an exchange of gunfire with armed bandits, two illegal firearms were recovered, along with 19 stolen livestock, the police said. Tragically, the incident resulted in one civilian fatality.
The livestock, reportedly stolen from the Kiwanja area, has since been secured by authorities as investigations continue. The NPS emphasized the government’s commitment to neutralizing banditry and restoring peace in regions declared as dangerous and disturbed.
“The multi-agency security team in Isiolo on January 21, 2025, recovered two firearms and 19 animals following a fierce fire exchange with bandits that led to one civilian fatality. The livestock had been stolen from the Kiwanja area,” NPS said.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu
This recovery comes amidst a broader security operation under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a robust initiative launched in 2023 to combat banditry and insecurity in Kenya’s troubled regions.
Just six days ago, on January 14, 2025, the multi-agency security team in Loyapat, Turkana County, scored a significant victory against banditry.
While conducting an operation at Namakat Village in Katilu Location, the team recovered 100 stolen goats, an AK-47 assault rifle, a magazine, and 11 rounds of ammunition.
The livestock, stolen from Lochacha Village, was later returned to its rightful owner in a formal handover witnessed by security officials and community representatives.
Since its launch, Operation Maliza Uhalifu has made substantial gains in areas marked by the government, including Isiolo, Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Turkana, and Meru.
The initiative, according to a statement by the National Police, has led to the recovery of hundreds of illegal firearms and thousands of stolen animals, significantly reducing banditry and bringing a semblance of normalcy to affected communities.
In many areas, schools have reopened, and residents are beginning to resume their livelihoods after years of insecurity.
To build on these successes, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki recently announced the extension of Operation Maliza Uhalifu to new areas, including Isiolo, Meru North, Marsabit, and parts of Samburu.
This strategic expansion, marked by curfews and emergency measures, seeks to intensify efforts to dismantle bandit networks and recover stolen livestock.
The third phase of the operation will include identifying additional hotspots as “Disturbed and Dangerous Areas,” a designation aimed at facilitating sustained security interventions.
