Kindiki: Govt has mobilised forces to curb renewed banditry in Meru
By Faith Lagat, March 21, 2026The Kenyan government has intensified its crackdown on a resurgence of cattle rustling and attacks in the northern grazing zones of Meru County, where armed gangs have killed herders, maimed civilians, and stolen livestock this week.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, in a statement posted on X dated March 21, 2026, said security forces have been heavily mobilised to reverse the spike in violence.
“The Government has mobilised heavily to roll back the spike in bandit attacks in the Northern part of Meru County where livestock robbers have caused deaths and terrorized the people in several attacks this week,” he declared.
Threat to gains in combating crime
Kindiki emphasised that the return of these gangs threatens to undermine progress made in combating banditry. By 2022, such violence had escalated, risking civil disorder across nine counties in the Northern Rift Valley and Upper Eastern regions.
Through sustained operations, the government successfully suppressed the crime and dismantled networks in the most affected areas.
“The crime has been suppressed and bandits crushed in nearly all the previously affected areas,” Kindiki noted, adding that security agencies are determined to defeat groups resuming operations in Meru’s northern grazing belt to restore normalcy and safeguard residents.
The resurgence has alarmed communities and leaders in Tigania, Igembe, and Buuri sub-counties, where families have suffered losses of lives and livelihoods.
Coordinated raids have displaced herders, pushed households into poverty, and sparked protests, including ultimatums from Njuri Ncheke elders along the Meru-Isiolo-Samburu border zones.
Multi-agency operations underway
The renewed push builds on earlier commitments. In late 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen convened high-level meetings with Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other top security officials to tackle the menace.
Murkomen announced intelligence-led operations, pledged security road improvements, and vowed to integrate National Police Reservists into enforcement efforts. He also stressed collaboration with local leaders to maintain cohesion and service delivery while sustaining operations until the region is secure.
”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.
The current mobilisation reflects the government’s zero-tolerance stance, with multi-agency teams already engaging in raids and neutralising some suspects, while officers on the ground receive enhanced welfare and mobility support. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate through intelligence sharing.