Nairobi, Kenya – The National Police Service has launched a multi-agency security operation targeting banditry and cattle rustling in parts of Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties following a recent surge in attacks.
The operation was announced by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, with authorities saying the move aims to restore security and protect residents affected by rising cases of violence and livestock theft.
Areas Affected by Banditry
According to the police, the crackdown will focus on several high-risk areas in Meru County, including Buuri East, Tigania East and West, Igembe North, Central, and Mutuati. These regions have recently experienced livestock losses, injuries, and fatalities linked to armed bandits.
The operation will also extend to neighboring counties, targeting known hotspots such as:
Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia
Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East
Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo
Security Measures Deployed
Authorities confirmed that the operation involves a large deployment of security personnel, supported by air surveillance and rapid response units.
The multi-agency team has been tasked with:
Recovering stolen livestock
Seizing illegal firearms and ammunition
Arresting suspects involved in banditry, including financiers of the networks
The police described the recent wave of attacks as unacceptable, reaffirming their commitment to ending banditry and restoring normalcy in the affected regions.
Call for Public Cooperation
Residents have been urged to work closely with security agencies by sharing intelligence and reporting suspicious activities to help in the success of the operation.
The crackdown comes amid renewed government efforts to address persistent insecurity in Kenya’s northern and eastern regions, where cattle rustling and banditry have remained a major challenge despite previous interventions.
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