NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service has launched a multi-agency security operation targeting banditry and cattle rustling across parts of Meru County, Isiolo County, Samburu County, and Laikipia County, following a recent surge in violence and livestock theft.
In a statement issued on Saturday, authorities said the operation is aimed at restoring order in the most affected areas of Meru County, including Buuri East, Tigania East and West, as well as Igembe North, Central and Mutuati, where residents have reported livestock losses, injuries and fatalities linked to armed bandits.
The crackdown will also extend to key hotspots in neighbouring counties, notably Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia, Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, and Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo.
Officials confirmed that the operation involves a substantial deployment of security personnel, supported by air surveillance and rapid response units, signalling an intensified approach to tackling the long-standing insecurity in the region.
According to the National Police Service, the multi-agency team has been tasked with recovering stolen livestock, seizing illegal firearms and ammunition, and apprehending those behind the attacks, including individuals suspected of financing banditry networks.
The agency described the recent escalation in attacks as unacceptable, reaffirming its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and restoring stability in the affected communities.
Residents have been urged to cooperate fully with security officers by sharing intelligence and reporting suspicious activities to support ongoing operations.
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The latest operation comes amid renewed government efforts to address insecurity in Kenya’s northern and eastern regions, where cattle rustling and banditry have remained entrenched challenges despite repeated military and police interventions.
In recent years, authorities have deployed specialised units and launched disarmament initiatives in bandit-prone areas, but sporadic attacks and livestock theft continue to disrupt livelihoods, particularly among pastoralist communities.
Analysts note that the problem is often driven by a mix of factors, including competition over resources, proliferation of illegal firearms, and organised criminal networks.
The current operation is expected to test the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led security responses in curbing the violence and restoring public confidence in state protection mechanisms.
