MERU, Kenya — Deputy President Abraham Kithure Kindiki has ordered a heightened and sustained security operation in Meru North to eliminate resurging bandit groups responsible for a series of deadly attacks and livestock theft in the region.
Addressing residents at Limoro in Athwana Ward on Thursday, 4th December, Kindiki said he was deeply disturbed by renewed violence that has claimed the lives of two herders and two National Police Reservists (NPRs) in the last two weeks, adding that criminals had stolen hundreds of livestock during the raids.
“We have noticed the same criminals regrouping. Plans were already in place to wipe them out before I left the Interior Ministry. Every Kenyan deserves protection and their property must be safeguarded,” he stated.
The Deputy President announced a reinforced multi-agency security strategy that will include:
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Recruitment of additional NPRs
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Deployment of more police officers
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Establishment of new security camps
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Dispatch of armored vehicles to pursue bandits in their hideouts
Kindiki vowed that the national government was determined to “finish the criminals once and for all.”
He was responding to security concerns raised by Tigania West MP John Mutunga and Athwana MCA Jim Muchui during an empowerment forum attended by thousands of women and youth.
On food security, the DP directed local administrators and elected leaders to fast-track the distribution of relief food to vulnerable households and schools. He said no Kenyan should suffer hunger while the government is in place.
Kindiki also condemned rising political tensions in Meru County, pointing to recent incidents of incitement, stone-throwing, and disruptive demonstrations.
“Politics must focus on development, not insults or destruction. We will not tolerate individuals with no agenda sowing chaos,” he warned, urging residents to shun divisive leadership.
The Deputy President emphasized the importance of unity in the Mt Kenya region, recalling past periods of political cohesion under former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
He urged residents to support President William Ruto’s administration, noting that several long-delayed road projects in Meru had finally commenced.
“Let us stand with the government so that more development comes our way. You don’t have to join the opposition to get roads, markets or electricity,” he said.
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