Laikipia: The government has announced a major operation within Mukogodo forest in Laikipia County to flush out armed bandits who have been terrorizing residents and stealing their livestock. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, while making the announcement at Kurum chief’s camp in Laikipia North sub-county, stated that the operation would commence within 48 hours and would be executed by the Kenya Police Service with support from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen, accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, and other security officials, noted that the armed bandits primarily originated from the neighboring counties of Samburu and Isiolo. These bandits have been entering Laikipia, stealing livestock, and causing harm to residents.
The decision to initiate the operation follows an incident where armed bandits attacked the upper Naibung’a National Police Reservists (NPR) camp, injuring several reservists and stealing over 1000 goats, sheep, and more than 200 cattle from nearby villages. This attack heightened tensions in the area, prompting some villagers to flee to avoid further assaults.
Sumuni Muyele, a local elder, shared with Murkomen how the attacks have instilled fear among locals, leading some to seek refuge far from their homes. Muyele highlighted that the area is now predominantly populated by women and children, as many men have fled with their remaining livestock to avoid further raids.
Murkomen also announced plans to increase the number of NPRs in the area by 100 within the next month, supplementing the current 87 deployed. Local leaders, including Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, have called for the disarmament of communities possessing illegal firearms to curb ongoing insecurity issues.
Inspector General Kanja emphasized the operation would be uncompromising and urged individuals with illegal firearms to surrender them before the operation begins to avoid severe consequences.
