Armed bandits. [Photo/kenyans.co.ke]
Pokot bandits on Saturday ambushed Kenya Defense Forces in Kamwenje, Laikipia County, leaving one soldier injured.
The bandits shot at their vehicle as KDF was patrolling the area, which has experienced repeated attacks including shooting, cattle rustling and robbery incidents.
The soldiers pursued the gunmen on foot and managed to arrest one and confiscate his weapon.
Residents have linked local politicians to violent incidents in the area as they use desperate measures to shore up fading political power bases ahead of the August 8 polls.
Among those who have denied links to raids by bandits are Tiaty MP Asman Kamama and Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel.
Lempurkel had been implicated in the murder of British farmer Tristan Voorspuy, but was cleared due to lack of evidence.
KDF soldiers were deployed in Laikipia in March following increasing invasions on luxury lodges in the drought-stricken area.