The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has claimed that insecurity in Meru County is part of a wider plan to displace residents and pave the way for mineral exploitation.

Speaking during a church service in Kiharu, Murang’a, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the former deputy president claimed that bandit attacks and cattle theft in the region are not random.

“We have since learned that there is a scheme… the LAPSSET corridor has been found to have minerals. That is why people are being killed there, so that they can desert the area and the land can be taken for mining,” he said.

Gachagua also claimed land grabbing, claiming that 300 acres had been taken illegally.

“300 acres have been grabbed by the chief grabber,” he added.

He accused the government of failing to act as bandits continue to target communities in Meru, particularly in the Tigania and Igembe areas. According to him, more than 110 people have been killed over the past three years, while over 11,000 heads of cattle have been stolen.

“The people of Meru are being killed like rats by bandits, and the government is silent and part of it,” Gachagua claimed.

He further claimed that stolen livestock from Meru is entering formal supply chains.

“We have also learned that this livestock being stolen from Meru is finding itself … which means there are very senior people in government colluding with the thieves,” he said.

Gachagua faults Meru leaders

The former DP criticised President William Ruto and his administration, accusing it of neglecting the region despite political support. Gachagua also took aim at current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, questioning his response to insecurity.

“Today he is there… but powerless. The Merus are being killed, and he is just moving around the country,” he said.

He issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government to deploy adequate security along the Meru borders with Samburu and Isiolo counties.

“If they don’t do so, I will have no choice but to personally move to the border and mobilise the people of Meru to defend themselves and their livestock,” Gachagua warned.

He also criticised leaders from the region, accusing them of remaining silent as residents suffer.

“The deputy president is quiet, the governor is quiet, the senator is quiet… all these leaders from Meru have abandoned their people,” he said.

Gachagua called on opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, to stand with Meru residents.

Kindiki orders crackdown

Gachagua’s remarks come a day after Kindiki announced a major security operation in the county. Speaking on Saturday, the deputy president said the government would use “brutal and lethal force on land and air” to deal with bandits in Nyambene and Meru North.

Kindiki said specialised police units, supported by the Kenya Defence Forces, would pursue criminals and restore order.

“These attacks against our people will end for good… we will crush them in Nyambene. Take my word on this,” Kindiki said.

He added that the government had already deployed officers and equipment to the region following a directive from President Ruto.

“We cannot allow this to continue. The lives of our people are too precious,” he said.

The deputy president urged residents to remain calm as the operation begins, assuring them that the crackdown would end banditry for years.

However, Gachagua insisted that government action has been insufficient and politically driven, maintaining that Meru residents have suffered for too long.

“They have suffered too much. It cannot continue. Something must be done,” he said.