Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma has warned residents and political leaders against politicizing an ongoing security operation targeting banditry in the county’s northern grazing zones, saying the exercise is purely a security mission aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods.
Speaking at the County Commissioner’s office in Meru town, Ouma said the operation is focusing on areas that have long been notorious for bandit attacks, including Mutuati, Igembe North, Igembe South, Tigania East, Tigania West, Buuri East and Buuri West.
He noted that herders in these regions have for years suffered attacks, killings and loss of livestock.
“This operation was entirely prepared for the sole purpose of fighting bandits who have been troubling herders, killing them and stealing their animals,” Ouma said.
He urged residents who may be tempted to turn the security exercise into a political issue to desist, stressing that the operation is meant to restore peace and not to oppress herders.
Ouma noted that the mission is beneficial to the people of Meru and should be supported by all.
“When people start politicising this matter, let them know that this operation does not intend in any way to oppress the citizens,” he said.
Ouma also reminded parents and residents of President William Ruto’s directive requiring all school-going children to be enrolled in school.
He said Meru County has made notable progress in implementing the directive, achieving an 89 per cent enrolment rate among children who sat examinations last year.
However, the County Commissioner raised concern over the continued use of school-going children as laborers in various sectors, including miraa and coffee farms.
He said authorities have repeatedly found children engaging in farm work instead of attending school, warning that those responsible will face legal action.
“I would like to warn against the use of children in picking miraa, coffee and other forms of labour. If you are found using children for these forms of labour, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ouma said.
He noted that child labour poses serious long-term risks to society by denying children access to education and essential skills required in the modern world.
Ouma said keeping children out of school could result in a generation that struggles to coexist peacefully and adapt to technological and social changes.
“When we have children in employment and not attending school, it means that after five or ten years we will have people who cannot live and coexist with others peacefully. Today’s world needs education so that people understand technology, computers and other things. When you hide them to pick miraa, what will tomorrow be?” he said.
Ouma also spoke about illicit brews and drug abuse in Meru County, saying all security agencies have been directed to intensify the fight against the menace in line with President Ruto’s orders.
He commended chiefs and other local administrators for their efforts in combating drug and substance abuse.
He revealed that between January 28 and February 4, authorities conducted 62 raids across the county, leading to the destruction of thousands of litres of illicit alcohol, the seizure of bhang and the arrest of several suspects.
“From January 28 to February 4, there were sixty-two raids in which 3,894 litres of various illicit brews were destroyed. More than 113 rolls of bhang were also seized, and 50 people were arrested,” Ouma said.
The County Commissioner issued a stern warning to officers who collude with brewers or accept bribes, saying disciplinary action would be taken against them.
He cautioned that officers found undermining the fight against illicit brews would not only face prosecution but also risk losing their jobs.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help eliminate banditry, illicit brews and drug abuse in Meru County
Edited by John Majau
