The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a multi-agency security operation aimed at restoring order in parts of Meru, Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia counties following a surge in banditry and cattle rustling nationwide.
“Cattle have been stolen, a number of lives have been lost, and injuries have been reported. This is totally unacceptable and must be eradicated,” the police said on Saturday in a statement.
National Police Service spokesman Michael Muchiri Nyaga said the multi-agency deployment will help restore stability following violent attacks in parts of four counties.
“Cattle have been stolen, lives have been lost, and injuries have been reported. This is totally unacceptable and must be eradicated,” Nyaga was quoted as saying.
He said the multi-agency team has been mandated to recover stolen cattle, mop up illegal firearms and ammunition, and arrest those behind the attacks, including suspected financiers of banditry networks.
The operation will focus on suspected hotspots including Mukogondo Forest, as well as Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo, and surrounding areas.
The NPS said the operation involves a large contingent of security personnel supported by aerial surveillance and air support to track criminal groups operating in the region.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to cooperate with security forces and share information that could help bring the perpetrators to justice.
Banditry and cattle rustling have long plagued parts of northern and north-eastern Kenya, occasionally sparking deadly clashes and displacing communities.
Repeated government security operations have been launched to disarm armed groups and stabilize the region.
MG/as/APA
