What You Need to Know
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a comprehensive security operation in Meru County aimed at eliminating banditry. The operation will involve specialized police teams and the Kenya Defence Forces, utilizing both land and air resources. Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting residents from criminal activities, assuring that the attacks will be
Africa-Press – Kenya. The government has ordered an intensive security operation in Meru County to eliminate bandits terrorising residents, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced.
The Second in Command said recent attacks in Nyambene and across Meru North will be met with “brutal and lethal force on land and air” to bring a conclusive end to the criminal acts.
Speaking on Saturday while inspecting development projects in South Imenti Constituency, DP Kindiki revealed that specialised police teams will be supported by the Kenya Defence Forces in a comprehensive operation targeting the bandits.
“These attacks against our people will end for good. When I was in charge of internal security, they did it in Baringo, we crushed them; they did it in Kerio Valley, we crushed them; in North Eastern, we crushed them; we also crushed terrorists in Lamu. We will crush them in Nyambene. Take my word on this,” he warned.
Earlier, DP Kindiki held a closed-door meeting with security and intelligence teams in Meru County, outlining the government’s expectations for the operation.
“We will deploy intense force against these criminals. They have dared us; now we will wipe them out. This cannot continue any longer,” he said.
The DP added that the President has directed the immediate deployment of adequate security officers and equipment to restore peace and pursue the criminals in every hideout.
“We cannot allow this to continue. The lives of our people are too precious to be taken away by bandits; their livestock and properties, which they have acquired through sweat and sacrifice, cannot just be taken away like that. The bandits will know there is a government in place,” he stated.
He appealed to Meru leaders and residents to remain calm as the operation begins. “What will be done there will end this menace, and it will not happen again for decades to come,” DP Kindiki said.
Kindiki also highlighted ongoing development projects in the county, urging residents not to be swayed by opposition leaders in the coming elections.
“Road projects costing over 39 billion shillings are underway, alongside 3.7 billion shillings for revamping link roads in Meru town. Modern market construction is progressing, including the 1 billion-shilling Gakoromone Market, which will be among the largest in the country.”
DP Kindiki inspected the Mwichiune Market, emphasising that 17 other modern markets are at various stages of development across the county.
Meru County has received 2.3 billion shillings to connect an additional 26,000 households to electricity.
The DP assured residents that Nithi Bridge, a critical link between Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties, will be constructed as planned, with 7 billion shillings already allocated.
He also confirmed that the Makutano-Mwea-Chuka-Nkubu-Meru-Maua highway will be expanded into a dual carriageway.
The DP was accompanied by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili, Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi, Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, and several MCAs.
DP Kindiki recalled that when the Ruto administration assumed office in 2022, the country faced simultaneous economic and security crises.
“Great strides have been made during the last three years to crush both the terrorist and bandit networks, nearly all these previously volatile areas are now calm for over two years,” he said, adding that the resurgence of banditry in Meru must be decisively addressed.
Banditry has been a persistent issue in various regions of Kenya, particularly in areas like Meru, where criminal groups have disrupted the lives of residents. The government has previously launched operations to combat these threats, often involving military support to enhance security measures. Over the years, the Kenyan government has faced challenges in maintaining law and order, especially in rural areas where banditry and cattle rustling have been prevalent. Recent escalations in violence have prompted renewed calls for decisive action to restore peace and security in affected communities.
