The News Editor,

At 6.00 am this morning a large number of armed Samburu cattle rustlers struck a Pokot Manyata at Tangi area in Rumuruti Division within Laikipia District. The rustlers shot dead an elderly Pokot couple before stealing an unknown number of livestock from them. Pokot warriors responding to the distress calls of the couple engaged the raiders in a gun battle before the raider fled, driving off the stolen animals.

A contingent of police officers comprising of General Service Unit (GSU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit and Regular Police pursuing the fleeing rustlers intercepted them and recovered 250 heads of cattle, 500 sheep/goats, some donkeys and camels. During the battle, one police officer was shot dead by the fleeing raiders.

As at now we can confirm the death of five people, as follows: -

• One Police Officer
• Four Samburu rustlers
• Two elderly Pokots (a man and a woman)

The Police contingent of GSU, Anti-Stock Theft Unit and Regular Police is still out in pursuit of the rustlers.

Further information will be made available as and when it is received.

(GIDEON M. KIBUNJAH)
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

29th August 2006