Bandit crackdown splits Meru, Samburu leaders

Leaders from Meru and Samburu counties have clashed over the ongoing security operation to flush out notorious bandits operating from Samburu County.

The operation follows sustained banditry attacks in Meru and Isiolo counties and the killing of two police officers, a police reservist and two residents in Isiolo a week ago.

Firearms belonging to the police officers were also stolen in the attack in Gotu.

However, the security operation by a special police unit has drawn criticism after hundreds of cattle were shot dead in Waso Ward.

Leaders in Samburu, including Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit and Samburu East MP Jackson Lekumontare have called for an immediate end to the operation.

"Innocent people have lost about 700 cattle, goats and donkeys in a span of four days. The police officers have been shooting indiscriminately. It is unfortunate that a few criminals killed five people in Isiolo but this cannot justify the wanton killing of animals," Governor Lelelit said. 

Mr Lekumontare said affected residents should be compensated and the operation stopped to allow elders to help in identification of criminals.

Samburu Police Commander David Nkoroi said several residents had reported losing their animals but authorities were yet to ascertain the numbers involved. 

However, five members of parliament from Meru including John Mutunga (Tigania West), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) have called on the government to enhance the security operation targeting bandits in the region.

Speaking in Meru town on Saturday, the MPs said Meru herders have lost close to 20,000 cattle and about 300 people killed and maimed by bandits operating from Isiolo and Samburu in the last five years. 

In March, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declared parts of Laikipia, Meru, Samburu, and Isiolo counties as security-disturbed and dangerous paving the way for an operation to mop up illegal firearms.

"As Meru people, we have suffered and sought government intervention against banditry for long. This is why we welcome the security operation that is ongoing in Samburu East to flush out bandits. We urge the security forces to intensify the operation until every bandit is taken out and our animals recovered," Mr Mutunga said. 

They claimed that bandits often use animals as body shield during gunfights with the police leaving security officers with no other option. 

"We urge the government to hit harder and ensure the problem of banditry comes to an end. The people of Meru have cried for far too long and have patiently waited for the government to act. The police officers crash the bandits and bring back our stolen livestock," Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili said.

The clamour by Meru leaders come days after nine residents filed a constitutional petition in Meru High Court citing the government for inaction against banditry and cattle rustling despite the loss of about 200 people and theft of 15,000 cattle across Meru County between October 2023 and March 2026.

The nine petitioners who include five widows, are seeking compensation of Sh15 million for bereaved families, Sh10 million for loss of property and Sh10 million for physical, psychological, and mental injuries sustained during the banditry attacks.

Earlier, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki backed the ongoing security operation saying the government will intensify its force against armed bandits operating from Isiolo and Samburu counties.

Speaking at Kiutine in Igembe Central Meru on Friday, the Deputy President said the government was keen on eradicating armed bandits in pastoralist counties.

"Currently, an operation is ongoing in Samburu East to smoke out bandits. I urge the police to use all legal means to arrest the bandits killing Kenyans and stealing cattle.

We cannot allow bandits to roam freely and terrorise others in sovereign country. We are aware of their impunity but we will deal with them decisively," Prof Kindiki said.

On Saturday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen regretted the killing of livestock in Samburu but said the government would not relent in its efforts to secure parts of Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana and West Pokot.

"We are intensifying our operations in Samburu and Isiolo to recover all illegal firearms and stolen livestock, dismantle criminal networks, and restore lasting peace.

Regrettably, during a recent operation in Samburu, livestock were killed. We have directed our security agencies to exercise maximum caution to minimise collateral damage during operations," the CS said. 

He said security operations in north rift and northern Kenya have so far recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

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