Peter Munya has given the government seven days to contain rising cattle rustling and bandit attacks in northern Meru, warning that his party will mobilise residents for mass protests if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking to journalists, the leader of the Party of National Unity accused both county and national authorities of failing to protect residents, saying insecurity in the region had reached alarming levels as families continue to lose livestock and lives.
Munya said the party would organise demonstrations next week to demand immediate intervention, arguing that residents had endured prolonged fear and repeated attacks without a strong government response.
“It is painful to see leaders from this region concentrating on political narratives such as succession politics while families are mourning and livestock continue to be stolen,” Munya said. “Since January, more than 11 people have been killed and over 600 animals taken by bandits.”
The former Meru governor also criticised legislators from the affected region, accusing them of failing to push for urgent debate in Parliament on the worsening security situation.
He further called for the resignation of Kipchumba Murkomen, saying the Interior Ministry had not done enough to secure lives and property in the affected areas.
“We cannot continue supporting a government that is unable to protect its citizens. The Interior CS must take responsibility for the continued insecurity,” he said.
Munya dismissed claims that local leaders were inciting herders to violence, insisting the allegations were meant to shift attention away from the real crisis.
“How can leaders incite bandits who do not even understand the local language? This is a serious security matter that requires immediate action,” he said.
He also alleged that powerful individuals could be benefiting from the insecurity, claiming the attacks were aimed at forcing communities out of grazing land linked to the LAPSSET Corridor Project.
According to Munya, some land in the contested grazing zone had already been irregularly acquired, and he urged investigative agencies to probe the claims.
“We believe there is a coordinated effort involving powerful individuals working with elements within security structures to push pastoralists away from their land,” he alleged.
The PNU leader said banditry had caused heavy losses over the past three years, claiming more than 11,000 livestock had been stolen and at least 110 herders killed during that period.
He warned that residents’ patience was running out and insisted the government must launch effective operations within a week.
“For years the government has ignored this menace. We are now giving a one-week ultimatum for decisive action to flush out bandits. If nothing changes, leaders and residents will take further action,” he said.
