State declares parts of Meru, Laikipia, Isiolo as dangerous in anti-banditry push

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has gazetted several parts of Meru, Isiolo and Laikipia counties as disturbed and dangerous, effectively paving the way for a multi-agency security operation.

The declaration by the CS took effect on March 26, 2026, starting 6pm, for a period of 30 days.

This follows a series of banditry incidents that have left several people injured and dead, and hundreds of cattle stolen in the recent past.

The areas affected by the notice include Mugogondo Forest, Mugogodo, Sieku, Makuriani, and Doldol in Laikipia North; Mlima Rasta, Mlima Lombolio, Mworontoi Belt, Nyambene Game Reserve and Chumviere in Tigania East as well as Ngatho Dam Area in Igembe North.

Others are Sarova Game Reserve, Lowarengishu Hills, Mutunyi Hills, and Loruku Hills in Isiolo North.

"This notice shall take effect on the 26th March, 2026, as from 6.00 pm for a period of 30days and may, at any time, be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct." the Notice states.

This comes days after the National Police Service established a multi-agency security operation team and deployed an extra 400 police officers along the Meru-Isiolo border.

Last week, the National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga indicated that the operation aimed to recover stolen livestock, mop up illegal firearms, and arrest bandits and their financiers.

“The targeted areas are Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia, Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo, and all surrounding areas. The large number of personnel is backed by robust air support.”

“Residents in the targeted areas are urged to offer maximum cooperation to security personnel, share intelligence, and help bring banditry and related forms of criminality to an end,” Mr Nyaga stated.

However, the gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary leaves out parts of Samburu East.

In February, Mr Murkomen ordered an operation to mop up illegal firearms in Isiolo, with security officers recovering 30 guns as of last week.

On Monday, the CS said the multi-agency security operation team assembled by the National Police Service would remain in force until all stolen livestock and illegal firearms are recovered.

"In Isiolo, we have recovered 30 illegal firearms since February this year. In the Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet area, more than 1200 guns have been mopped up since the operation began. Our intention is to ensure all weapons are recovered," he said.

Mr Murkomen further directed the county security team to vet all police reservists and replace those found unfit within three weeks.

"A police reservist must be a resident and have an interest in livestock keeping. Qualified reservists should be ready to go for training in the next three weeks. We must also ensure all reservists are answerable to their respective OCS," he said.

Meru County Herders Cooperative estimates that more than 11,000 cattle have been stolen and over 100 people killed in the last three years

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