The government, through the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has announced plans to address insecurity challenges in Meru County, as armed bandits cause unrest in the region.

While meeting area leaders on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to deliberate on the banditry menace that has led to the theft of heads of cattle and deaths, Murkomen said local leadership and the government will work hand in hand to restore peace in the region.

Restoring security in Meru

”We are fully committed to addressing security challenges in Meru County,” Murkomen said, asking Meru County leaders to explore ways of enhancing security, fostering cohesion and improving government service delivery to the locals.

”We have resolved to embark on an intelligence-led operation to end banditry attacks in Meru and the surrounding regions. The operation will be sustained until the area is fully secure,” the Interior CS said via X.

The particular consultative meeting was attended by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma and top security officers, led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service (KPS) Eliud Lagat, DIG (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Director DCI Mohammed Amin, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni and Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora.

During the meeting, Murkomen also lauded the strong partnership demonstrated by the leaders in working with the Interior Ministry to enhance security and service delivery.

The CS also communicated plans to improve the road network in the region as a way of enhancing security. ”We will also construct security roads in the region to improve access and fully integrate National Police Reservists (NPR) into the peace and law enforcement efforts, among other measures,” he added.

Several Members of Parliament were also present to deliberate on the banditry issue in Meru. They included: Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), John Mutunga ( Tigania West), Daniel Karitho (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Dorothy Muthoni ( Nominated), Speaker of Meru County Assembly Ayub Bundi and Members of the County Assembly.

Jukwaa la Usalama Report

Meanwhile, from April to October 2025, the Interior Ministry toured all our 47 counties and held town hall meetings with members of the public, leaders, security personnel and administration officers. The open forums, dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama, discussed prevailing security concerns and assessed the general state of service delivery at the community level.

The Jukwaa la Usalama report was launched on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at State House, Nairobi. It aims to provide a framework that will inform the development of strategies, policies and legislation geared towards improving security management, citizen services and the coordination of government programmes.