Three suspected bandits killed by police in Turkana County

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the three were felled on Saturday following a shootout pitting officers against the bandits.

“A shootout between NPS Officers from Loima and suspected bandits at Kangalita in Kalemnyang left three of the suspects fatally wounded,” police said.

The three suspects have been identified as 37-year-old Simon Egielan Lopongorei, 39-year-old Lokucha Ngeruk a.k.a sharpshooter and their 21-year-old accomplice Tiya Logumo.

Police described Lopongorei as a notorious bandit and gang leader with three pending court cases linking him to violence, gang rape and allegations of threatening to kill.

“He has been under investigation for a series of unresolved violent crimes, including highway robberies stock-theft and possession of illicit firearms for hire within Loima Sub-County,” police noted.

Ngeruk, who was identified as Lopongorei’s aide, is linked to the killing of a police officer at Kangalita area three years ago.

He is also said to have been behind December 28, 2023 attack on Lorugum Officer Commanding Station (OCS), causing him actual bodily harm.

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle; a magazine loaded with three rounds of ammunition and spent cartridges from the suspects.

Bodies of the three were taken Lodwar County Referral Hospital as investigations continue.