They were shot at, allegedly by the rustlers.
Several of the police officers were killed, some fled and some were left lying wounded.
It is reported that some of those wounded remained there and died, even as late as Monday (about 48 hours after the shootings).
Other survivors were found by some children who were herding cattle.
The death toll currently stands at 42 policemen.
Let me say that again: Fourty Two policemen killed.
Some of the bodies remained there until Tuesday or thereabouts, when the government finally went to collect them and also transported some of the survivors to Nairobi.
The relatives of the police officers were not kept well updated, and some had to go to the valley to identify the bodies of their relatives.
The police commissioner refused to resign, saying the responsibility for the operation lay with his juniors in the field.
Naturally, the minister in charge of the relevant ministry did not resign. Kenya's military has been sent to the valley.
Residents of the area are reported to be fleeing or to have fled, because the bad reputation of the army in such situations, or fearing some form of reprisal.
Picture from Nation Media Group[/caption]
My thoughts:
It is apalling that a police mission can be so poorly organised that 42 officers are killed in one incident
It is extremely bad that the police left the wounded to die in the valley
It is sad that the bodies of the dead were left there until they began decomposing.
It is bad to put the bereaved relatives through the anxiety of not knowing what the status of things is. It is regrettable that no one was fired over this tragic loss of life
It speaks volumes if the police are unable to protect even themselves. Are they able to protect ordinary citizens?
- Kenya-Survivor-of-Suguta-Valley-attack-recounts-three-day-ordeal
- How doomed mission claimed 42 policemen
- Kenya-Iteere-blames-commanders-for-Samburu-raid
- Tension-in-Baragoi-as-locals-flee-ahead-of-KDF-operation
- Hundreds-flee-kenyan-forces-hunt-police-killers
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20323962
Related articles
- Dozens of police killed in Kenya cattle raid (euronews.com)
- Kibaki deploys Kenyan military to Samburu (capitalfm.co.ke)
- Why were bodies of murdered officers left to rot? (capitalfm.co.ke)
- Hundreds flee area of Kenya where police died (utsandiego.com)
