Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused a section of politicians of financing and arming bandits behind escalating insecurity in the northern grazing zone, as the government deploys over 400 additional police officers to Meru and neighbouring counties.
Speaking in Tigania East, Meru, Murkomen said intelligence reports had linked politicians, bandits and some members of the Kenya Police Reservists to efforts to destabilise the region for political gain.
“We know politics is playing a hand in the increasing bandit attacks because we are approaching the electioneering period and we have political scavengers who are only out to seek their own political gain and not having the interest of the people at heart,” Murkomen said.
The operation, covering Meru, Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia counties, will target criminal hideouts, recover illegal firearms and dismantle livestock theft networks.
“I can assure you this time we have not come to just talk, but to implement. Residents should remain calm because this operation will be intense and the bandit menace will soon be a thing of the past,” he added.
Murkomen also ordered a three-week vetting of reservists amid claims some are involved in crime.
“I have given three weeks to vet all KPR officers. Those who do not own livestock or do not come from livestock-keeping families should be replaced immediately. We have intelligence that some are part of this criminal enterprise,” he said.
Isiolo Governor Godana Guyo linked the attacks to national politics, alleging the violence is being used to undermine Deputy President Kithure Kindiki while benefiting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“The banditry is a menace orchestrated to sabotage the Deputy President and gives Rigathi Gachagua mileage,” Guyo said.
He called for a security sweep across the Meru–Isiolo–Laikipia belt, insisting most attackers are known.
“These bandits are not more than 200. They are known by chiefs in Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia and Laisamis. If there is a thorough crackdown in that belt, there will be peace in Meru and Isiolo,” he said.
Guyo also raised concerns over possible collusion.
“It shows that some security officers are deeply asleep or collaborating with bandits. There are also business people from Meru collaborating with those criminals,” he said.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome called for compensation for affected families.
“We plead for compensation to the people whose livestock have been stolen so they can restart their lives,” she said.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi pledged support for the crackdown.
“You are the second in command. I am going back to the grassroots to defend our people and their interests,” he said.
Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili described the situation as dire.
“I did not sleep for the last four days because of killings and cattle theft. We do not fear any kind of war,” he said.
Deputy President Kindiki has vowed a sustained offensive against bandits.
“We will go for them head on. There is no mercy. Personally, I have taken it as my responsibility and trust me, this will come to an end,” he said.
