Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered what he described as the most comprehensive security operation in Kenya’s history, targeting bandit networks across several volatile regions in the country.

In a statement issued via his official X account on Saturday, March 21, 2026, following a high-level security briefing in Meru Town, Kindiki said the government had resolved to launch a full-scale, multi-agency offensive to restore order in areas hit by renewed bandit attacks.

He noted that although significant progress had been made over the past three years in suppressing terrorism and banditry, recent incidents in parts of Meru and surrounding counties had raised fresh concern.

“While terrorist attacks were frequent in North Eastern Region and Lamu, maurauding gangs of dangerously armed bandits had run amok, killing, maiming people, and stealing livestock daily in the Kerio Valley, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Meru Counties,” Kindiki stated.

“Great strides have been made during the last three years to crush both the terrorist and bandit networks, nearly all of these previously volatile areas are now calm for over two years. Banditry had been suppressed in Meru, but has resurfaced with near daily attacks, human deaths and hundreds of livestock stolen.”

Multi-agency operation

The operation will involve the Kenya Police Service, supported by the Kenya Defence Forces, in a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal networks operating in remote and rugged terrain.

Security forces have been directed to target key hotspots, including Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia, Kipsing, Ngare Mara and Milima Lebendera in Isiolo, as well as the Lentana and Sereolipi areas in Samburu East.

Authorities believe these regions are being used as hideouts for bandits, as well as holding grounds for stolen livestock and illegal arms.

Kindiki revealed that additional platoons of elite security personnel have already been deployed, alongside new equipment and air support, to intensify the crackdown.

“The Government has directed security formations within the Kenya Police Service with the support of the Kenya Defence Forces to mobilise and carry out the most comprehensive security operation in Kenya’s history, to deter futher attacks, neutralize all threats, mop up illegally held arms and ammunition, and recover stolen livestock suspected to be held by criminals holed up in hard to reach, difficult terrain areas of Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia, Kipsing, Ngare Mara and Milima Lebendera in Isiolo, and the Lentana and Sereolipi areas in Samburu East, as well as the surrounding areas suspected to be holding bandits, stolen livestock or both,” he said.

Elite security personnel

Additional platoons of elite security personnel have been mobilised, new equipment delivered, and clear command issued for an all-out war on bandits and recovery of stolen livestock through a multi-agency intelligence-led operation mounted on land and air.

In a tough warning to criminal groups, the deputy president said security personnel had been given clear instructions to use all lawful means necessary to neutralise threats.

“The security personnel has been directed to use all the weapons at their disposal to neutralize all threats to life targeting members of the public or law enforcement officers as by law permitted,” the second in command stated.

The government has appealed for calm among residents in affected areas, urging them to cooperate with security agencies, especially as some regions may be declared disturbed zones to facilitate operations.

Kindiki emphasised that intelligence-led operations conducted both on land and in air would be key in flushing out armed groups and recovering stolen livestock.

Moreover, he disclosed that he had held a closed-door meeting with the Meru County Security and Intelligence Team, where he issued firm instructions for immediate results.

The renewed offensive comes amid growing concern over the resurgence of bandit attacks in northern Kenya, threatening to reverse gains made in restoring stability in the region.