Nairobi, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a large-scale, multi-agency security operation targeting banditry and cattle rustling across Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties, following a recent surge in violence and livestock theft.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the NPS said the operation aims to restore order in affected areas of Meru County, including Buuri East, Tigania East and West, and Igembe North, Central, and Mutuati, where residents have recently suffered losses of livestock, injuries, and fatalities linked to armed bandits.
The crackdown will also extend to key hotspots in neighbouring counties, including Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia, Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, and Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo.
Authorities said the operation involves a substantial deployment of personnel, supported by air surveillance and rapid response units.
“The multi-agency team has been tasked with recovering stolen cattle, seizing illegal firearms and ammunition, and arresting perpetrators, including suspected financiers of banditry networks,” the NPS stated.
The agency described the recent wave of attacks as unacceptable, emphasizing its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and restoring normalcy in the affected regions. Residents in the targeted areas have been urged to cooperate fully with security officers, provide intelligence, and report any suspicious activity.
The operation forms part of renewed government efforts to tackle insecurity in Kenya’s northern and eastern regions, where cattle rustling and banditry have remained persistent challenges despite previous security interventions.
