Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced an all-out security operation to eliminate rising bandit activities in Meru North, saying the government will “eliminate the criminals once and for all.”
Speaking today at Limoro in Athwana Ward, Meru County, the DP said he was saddened by recent attacks that have disrupted peace and destroyed progress expected in the region.
“We have noticed the same criminals are emerging again. Before I left the Ministry of Interior, we had plans to sweep them out. Kenya is our country and every Kenyan has a right to be protected, as well as their property,” he said.
Kindiki promised the deployment of additional National Police Reservists (NPRs), more police personnel, establishment of more security camps and armored vehicles to enhance response.
“We will go for them wherever they are. They are not the first criminals we have faced. We restored peace in Lamu during Al-Shabaab incursions and stabilized the Rift Valley. We will do the same here,” he added.
About two herders and two NPR officers have lost their lives in past two weeks alone and hundreds of cattle stolen by rustlers.
DP Kindiki, who was responding to a request from Tigania West MP John Mutunga and area MCA Jim Muchui, added that Bottom Up Economic agenda will continue to transform lives.
He emphasized that the fight against banditry is the responsibility of the national government and assured residents that he would pursue the issue until calm is fully restored.
Divisive Politics
The Deputy President was attending an empowerment forum that attracted thousands of local women and youth groups.
Kindiki used the event to caution local leaders and communities against inflammatory politics, saying the region had recently witnessed a dangerous return of stone-throwing, incitement to violence and destructive demonstrations.
“We will not allow foolish politics, destruction or insults from people without any agenda. This started two years ago. Politics must be about development, not chaos,” he said.
He praised Meru residents for maintaining calm despite recent political tensions and urged them not to be misled into violence or division.
Calls for Unity in Mt Kenya
The DP also reflected on past political unity in the Mt Kenya region, recalling the overwhelming support leaders such as Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta received.
He drummed up support for re-election of President William Ruto and him administration.
“During first President Jomo Kenyatta, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu voted man to man, during former President Mwai Kibaki’s ten years in office, there was no incitement of youths to burn property.” He said.
He insisted the community should not destroy its heritage or fight internally, emphasizing support for the government to push development.
He also confirmed that several longstanding road projects that had stalled were finally being tarmacked.
“Let us support the government so that we force it to champion more development. We own this government. Do not be misled into thinking you need the opposition to get roads, markets or electricity,” he said.
The DP commended area leaders for their loyalty and for defending the government’s development agenda.
Other leaders present are Woman Rep Karambu Kailemia, MPs Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated).
