Kithure Kindiki: We’ll start operation to tackle banditry in Meru, Isiolo, Samburu

The government has committed to launching a security operation in Meru, Isiolo and Samburu counties to flush out bandits who have continued to target herders in the region.

Herders in Meru have been appealing for intervention to recover thousands of animals that have been stolen over the last five years.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the recent surge in banditry in Meru and Isiolo can only be curbed through enhanced security measures. The remarks followed coordinated raids that left six people, including five police reservists, dead, and several others injured.

Prof Kindiki noted that the raids were designed to weaken security responses and that, despite government measures, the bandits remain notorious.

“It is unfortunate that the gains we have made in securing the grazing zones are being rolled back. The President has instructed me to ensure we finalise all measures meant to deal with banditry,” he said.

The deputy president added that more police officers, reservists, and elite units would be deployed to the bandit-prone areas.

“The bandits are teasing the government into a duel. They have dared us, and the government will show its might. The only lasting solution is to go after the bandits and flush them out. We will attack them from their hideouts,” he said during an Economic Empowerment forum in Athwana, Tigania West, Meru County.

Prof Kindiki said measures similar to those deployed in the North Rift and Lamu will also be implemented to protect lives and property.

He also urged residents not to be misled by opposition politicians accusing Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua of influencing the region’s voters.

The deputy president vowed that the Mt Kenya region would remain aligned with the government and assured residents that all promises made by the administration would be fulfilled.

“We are helping Kenyans create wealth and cannot allow politicians to destroy it with violence. Young people should not be used to burn property in the name of politics. The leader behind this retrogressive politics is now out of government and is keen on wooing more people into opposition,” he said.

Prof Kindiki said that the Mt Kenya region voted overwhelmingly to be in government and must remain in it to benefit from ongoing programmes.

“Do not be misled into abandoning a government you fought for and elected,” he said.

He also assured residents that stalled development projects have now received funding and are being fast-tracked.

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