A total of 21 people were killed in banditry attacks between January and March, compared to 58 killed last year during the same period.

There was a significant reduction in the number of livestock stolen, with only 167 stolen compared to 263 in the same period last year.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the first quarter security report covering January to March 2025 indicated a significant decrease in cases of banditry and stock theft.

“Unfortunately, as a result of these criminal acts, 21 persons were killed in the first quarter of the year 2025 compared to 58 persons who unfortunately died in the same period in 2024,” the CS said.

Among the 21 people killed this year, include one police officer, 8 members of the public and 12 suspects, according to the ministry.

During the period under review, a total of 4,935 livestock were stolen compared to 8,557 in the same period in 2024.

The reduction in the cases has been attributed to the concerted efforts of the different security officers, including the National Police Reservists (NPRs), working in close collaboration.

Ongoing battle

Murkomen said the security teams are still confronted by several challenges in the fight against banditry, including the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the commercialisation of banditry through readily available markets for stolen livestock and political interference and incitement.

Other challenges have been identified as competition for water and pasture during periods of drought, fights over communal land boundaries and inaccessible safe havens for criminals due to poor infrastructure and mobile network coverage amongst other challenges.

The CS said the government was working hard to set aside resources for infrastructure development including schools and to provide our security officers with better equipment and resources to tackle these challenges.

“Members of the public should collaborate with our security officers and shun all acts of political incitement and revenge. Political leaders should stop playing politics with such important national security concerns,” he said.

The CS also said the government will support the police and also look into their welfare as they carry out their duties of enhancing security in the different parts of the country, especially those dealing with issues such as banditry among other crimes which put them at risk.

“We will stand with our security officers and ensure that they get the necessary support to discharge their duties effectively. At the same time, we don’t want you to misuse your authority. Do your work without fear and act professionally,” he added.

The CS was speaking last week during a security meeting that involved security personnel from the counties of Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, Samburu and Meru.

The five counties have from time to time been hit by cases of banditry, an issue which the security agencies hope to find a lasting solution and put an end to.

“There needs to be a collaborative effort among all security personnel in every sub-county in these counties, right from the Assistant chiefs to the OCS, in order to put an end to cases of banditry,” he said, adding that the Operation Maliza Uhalifu based in the North Rift region is still ongoing and has borne a lot of fruits in as far as tackling banditry is concerned.