Three people have been killed in a dawn cattle rustling attack in Tuum, Samburu North, area police commander Samwel Gichohi has confirmed.

The victims include two local herders and one suspected bandit who died during the raid.

The armed attackers reportedly launched the raid in the early morning hours while seeking to drive away livestock.

Mr Gichohi said the attack was repulsed, with police troops deployed to the area as security agencies move to contain the situation.

“The three victims died on the spot,” the police boss said.

“We have deployed our officers to contain the situation, because tension is still high,” he added.

Tuum and other parts of Samburu North have in the past experienced insecurity linked to cattle rustling, a persistent challenge that has threatened lives, disrupted livelihoods and heightened tensions among pastoralist communities.

Resurgent bandit attacks are threatening to be a new setback to the State’s long-term quest to silence guns in Samburu North.

The fresh bandit activities have raised fears that the animosity could derail the healing process after a peaceful coexistence that lasted close to four years. 

Locals had enjoyed peace after guns went silent, and Samburu North, together with adjacent towns came back to life after about three decades of violence.