Sheep and goats graze inside Napeitom village in Turkana County.
Three weeks after the county government of Turkana resettled victims of the July 2022 arson on Napeitom village in Suguta sub-county, the criminals are back.
Bandits killed two people and injured two others on Monday, reigniting memories of the 2022 raid. Some 101 families with 800 people that were displaced in 2022 have not resettled fully in the village.
Residents fled following the attack that claimed seven lives and temporarily settled in Lokori, about 35 kilometres away.
They returned early this month after the devolved government built 30 houses for them and erected a perimeter wall, a gate and a watchtower.
The county government also renovated a hospital, a borehole, an Early Childhood Development and Education centre and staff quarters in the new village.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai (centre) speaks to Ms Jane Edete on June 2, 2025 after she occupied one of the houses constructed by the county government for resettling victims of the 2022 arson attack.
According to Suguta Deputy County Commissioner Franklin Ongori, the attackers targeted three residents of the village who were heading to Lokori on a motorcycle, killing two on the spot.
The third person was injured in the hip. Those killed were identified as Salin Asiyer and Ekaran Inok.
The injured were taken to Lokori Sub County Hospital before being transferred to Lodwar County and Referral Hospital, he said.
Earlier in the day, the criminals attacked herders who had just left the village, injuring one in the hand.
“Security personnel repulsed the bandits,” Mr Ongori told journalists.
The administrator added that a person was rescued by Kenya Defence Forces soldiers who were combing the area, aided by a drone.
He said patrols have been intensified with the help of soldiers, assuring residents of their security.
Mr Loris Lopur, the injured survivor, thanked soldiers for saving his lifeb.
A police officer stares at a blackboard inside a classroom at Napeitom village in Turkana County on June 2, 2025
Mr Lopur said he rolled into the thicket on the Napeitom-Lokori road where the attack took place, before being rescued.
“Two people who were on a motorcycle behind us were shot dead by the bandits,” he said.
“While running for my life, I saw a drone that appeared to have scared the bandits. I followed the direction of the drone and ended up in the armoured personnel carrier.”
He added that the soldiers gave him water and took him to hospital.
Residents say there have been attempted raids targeting herders in fields since their resettlement.
They add that the bandits have changed tactics, waiting for herders in the grazing fields and residents who go to Lokori for basic services and commodities.
“Bandits control our movement in Napeitom. Men are being targeted in the grazing fields. What will happen should there be an emergency at night?” Ms Jane Edete, a resident, asked.
She added that politicians could be inciting the bandits to displace them.
“Though soldiers rescued one man, they cannot be in all villages at the same time. The Interior Ministry needs to established a police station in this village,” Ms Edete said.
