![The 55-year-old man’s body was taken to Mwingi Level 4 Hospital morgue. [PHOTO | FILE]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CRIME-SCENE.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
A police officer was, on Wednesday, shot dead by a group of six bandits believed to have been drawn from Elgeyo Marakwet.
Reports say James Pkemoi was ambushed by bandits at Sermach village, Chesogon division, West Pokot County.
The attack by the bandits is said to be a retaliation for an incident where four people from Elgeyo Marakwet were killed last weekend by bandits from West Pokot.
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Confirming the incident, Chesegon Division Assistant County Commission Naftali Korir said that the deceased, 33, was a National Police Reservist.
Korir also revealed that at the time of the incident, the deceased was in the company of two other people who escaped unhurt.
The county administrator further noted that the bandits escaped in the dark immediately after killing Pkemoi.
"The gunmen ambushed him on Wednesday evening while in the company of his two friends who escaped without being hurt," Korir said.
The attacks have affected learning in the region as locals and their children continue to be on the run looking for savers regions.
"A school that had more than 300 pupils now has 70. This is because locals are abandoning their homes and moving to safer places," Tito Lopuriana, an area resident, said.
The locals who accused the police of failing to enhance security in the region called on the government to make a quick intervention to ensure security is restored in the area.
The area MP Hon. Lochakapong, Peter who condemned the killing also called on the government to enhance security in the area.
"The regional commissioner was in Cheptulel on Monday and today we are losing a soul. The government should protect the lives and property of our people," he said.
The body of the deceased has since been moved to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital morgue as the police continue looking for his killers.
