KAPENGURIA, WEST POKOT – A Citizen TV news crew, on assignment to report on the deteriorating security situation along the West Pokot-Turkana border, narrowly escaped death on Monday, November 3, 2025, after being ambushed by suspected bandits. The team, led by Turkana correspondent Emmanuel Cheboit, was forced to flee for their lives under a hail of bullets in Kalomwai village, an incident that starkly illustrates the grave risks confronting journalists in Kenya's volatile North Rift.

The attack occurred at approximately 3:00 PM EAT as Cheboit was conducting interviews with local residents displaced by recent violence. Video footage later aired by the station captured the sudden eruption of gunfire, forcing the journalist and terrified residents to abandon the interview and scramble for cover amidst the chaos. "We were speaking to villagers about the recent wave of attacks when the shooting started," Cheboit recounted. "There was no warning. We just had to run."

The ambush is not an isolated event but part of a grim, recurring pattern of violence that has plagued the region. In the two weeks preceding the attack on the journalists, at least ten people were killed in a series of brazen assaults in the area. Just days prior, armed bandits had shot two people returning from a church service and attacked a local gold mining site, setting ablaze an excavator valued at KSh 16 million. These clashes, often rooted in disputes over pasture, water, livestock, and contested boundaries, have created a climate of constant fear, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes.

A Region on Edge

The attack on the press crew brings into sharp focus the complex and deeply entrenched nature of insecurity in West Pokot and neighbouring counties, including Turkana, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet. For years, these areas have been the epicentre of deadly cattle rustling, which has evolved from a traditional practice into a violent, commercialized criminal enterprise fueled by the proliferation of illegal firearms. Local leaders have also pointed to political incitement over boundary disputes as a significant driver of the hostilities.

In response, the Kenyan government launched "Operation Maliza Uhalifu" in February 2023, a multi-agency security operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS) aimed at disarming bandits and restoring order. While the Ministry of Interior has reported significant progress, including a reduction in cattle rustling and the recovery of illegal firearms, challenges persist. Residents have at times accused security teams of slow response times, and the vast, rugged terrain provides ideal cover for bandit groups.

Despite the ongoing operation, attacks continue to disrupt lives, paralyze economic activity, and force the closure of essential institutions like schools. The government's strategy has included recruiting and arming National Police Reservists (NPRs) to supplement security forces, a move community leaders have advocated for to bolster local defenses.

Press Freedom Under Fire

Media advocacy groups have condemned the attack, calling for immediate government action to protect journalists working in conflict zones. The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) have repeatedly voiced concerns over the rising number of threats, intimidation, and physical assaults on reporters nationwide. An April 2023 survey commissioned by the Kenya Media Programme found that a significant number of journalists had faced security threats in the course of their work, with many incidents going unreported due to a lack of faith in authorities to take action.

This incident in West Pokot is a chilling reminder of the dangers journalists face to keep the public informed. In a region where violence can erupt without warning, the press often becomes a target, caught between security forces and criminal elements. "Reporting from these areas is becoming increasingly perilous," said a KUJ official in a statement. "We demand that the government not only investigates this specific attack but also implements concrete measures to guarantee the safety of all journalists in the field."

As security forces continue their operations in the North Rift, the attack on the Citizen TV crew serves as a critical test for the state's commitment to protecting press freedom—a cornerstone of Kenya's democracy. The ability of journalists to report freely and safely from conflict-affected areas is essential for public accountability and for shining a light on the urgent need for lasting peace. Further investigation into the identity of the attackers is required.