Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a major security offensive targeting bandits in northern Meru, saying the government will deploy both air and ground forces to flush out armed groups operating in the region.
Speaking at Mwichiune Market in South Imenti during an inspection of national government projects, Kindiki said additional security personnel, including police and military units, had already been mobilised to tackle cattle rustlers and criminal gangs linked to recent killings and livestock theft in the Nyambene area.
He revealed that authorities had intelligence on the whereabouts of stolen livestock, pointing to Kipsing, Serolipi and Mukogondo as key locations.
“I am tired and angry. It is not possible for criminals to continue killing, maiming people and stealing livestock while the government is present. We have more guns than them. Give me two weeks and you will not hear of them again,” Kindiki said.
He warned that the operation would be decisive and forceful, involving both aerial and ground deployment.
“We will crash them to the last man. They will regret it. We will bomb them from the air and on the ground where they are hiding,” he said.
The remarks come amid rising insecurity in parts of Meru, with recent reports of livestock raids and deadly ambushes on security officers. Similar operations in neighbouring Isiolo have resulted in the killing of suspected bandits and recovery of illegal firearms, as joint efforts by police and the Kenya Defence Forces intensify across northern Kenya.
Kindiki said reinforcements had already begun arriving, forming part of a broader strategy targeting grazing corridors and known hideouts used by armed groups.
“I was Interior CS and came here more than 20 times. We dealt with similar arrogance in Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu and finished them. The same will happen here,” he said.
He also cautioned political leaders against interfering with security operations.
“Stop disturbing MPs, MCAs and the Senator over security operations. Leave that to the government. Blame me, not area leaders. I will take charge,” he added.
The Deputy President linked the restoration of security to ongoing development projects, saying stability was essential for economic growth in the region.
He directed contractors working on the Kamachege market to fast-track construction, noting the project is part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“This is a real transformation , with cold rooms, mothers’ rooms and proper business spaces. The contractor at Kamachege must finish it within two months,” he said.
Kindiki also announced the resumption of stalled road projects, including the Nkubu–Rubiri–Kamurita road, and outlined plans for a major dual carriageway connecting several counties in the region.
“All stalled roads are now revived. Contractors are on site. Six thousand kilometres nationally and 735 kilometres in Meru are under construction,” he said.
On healthcare, he said ongoing investments would reduce the need for patients to travel to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.
“There will be no more cancer, heart and kidney patients travelling to Nairobi for services that can be provided here,” he said.
Leaders accompanying him backed the crackdown and called for compensation for residents affected by banditry.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi said locals had endured years of insecurity and welcomed the renewed effort.
“Once South Imenti supports a leader, they mean it. We could not sleep because of the banditry. Finish this problem completely,” he said.
Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi criticised continued attacks despite previous security meetings.
“Imagine even after a security consultative meeting livestock is stolen the same day. Once you roar, they will have nowhere to hide,” he said.
Central Imenti MP Kirima Nguchine expressed confidence that the operation would replicate successes seen in other banditry-prone regions.
Kindiki confirmed that Meru North has been designated a security operations zone, with additional National Police Reservists deployed along the Meru–Isiolo border as part of intensified anti-banditry efforts.
