A police officer with a sniffer dog around DP William Ruto’s Sugoi home on Saturday, July 29. /MATHEWS NDANYI

Heavy roadblocks were on Saturday evening erected on roads leading to DP William Ruto’s Sugoi home where a security operation was expected to last overnight following an attack early Saturday.Close to 500 heavily armed police officers were deployed at the home and neighbouring areas.

Read: Ruto’s Sugoi home attacked, three gunmen and cop killed

Rift Valley regional coordinator Wanyama Musiambo who was at the home declined to comment on the operation.

Intermittent gunfire could still be heard at the home where more than eight Recce squad officers were leading the security operation.

Residents lineup along the road leading to DP William Ruto’s Sugoi home as police vehicles arrive at the home on Saturday, July 29. /MATHEWS NDANYI

Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago and MPs Oscar Sudi and Alfred Keter addressed villagers and asked them to remain calm and keep away from the area.

Police expressed fear that other suspects involved in the attack could still be holed up in maize farms in the area.

Read also: Ruto’s Sugoi home sealed off after attack

However, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett appeared to contradict reports that several attackers were involved.

He said a GSU officer manning the gate to the DP’s home was accosted by a lone machete wielding attacker.

According to Boinett, the “intruder” hit the officer severally before gaining access to the home.

He added that the suspect was later forced to hide at a building under construction after reinforcement was called.

“The injured officer is undergoing treatment and is in stable condition. Specialist officers have been sent to deal with the intruder,” Boinett said in a statement.

Residents watch from a distance as police officer continue with a security operation at DP William Ruto’s Sugoi home following an attack on Saturday, July 29. /MATHEWS NDANYI

Meanwhile, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said in a statement the attack was a security threat not only to the DP but entire country.

He said the attack which came at the critical moment when the country was preparing for an election is ‘shocking and worrying”.

“It sends shivers in the country given that DP’s home is among the well-guarded and that a gunman can have courage to attack baffles.”

The Senator called on security agencies to fully investigate the motive of the attack and guard against incidents that may “throw the country into turmoil and uncertainty”.

“Kenyans at this moment want to peacefully participate democratically in electing their leaders and no criminal element or group should be allowed to jeopardize peace at this critical time,” Moi said.

By the time of publishing this article, neither Ruto nor State House had commented on the attack.