Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a firm warning to armed criminals behind a wave of banditry in Meru County, declaring that the government will escalate security operations to eliminate the threat and restore lasting peace in the region.
Kindiki said the State has already deployed additional specialised security personnel alongside more national police reservists to the affected areas, signalling an intensified effort to dismantle the networks responsible for attacks and cattle rustling.
“We are going to fix this problem once and for all. We will increase national police reservists and security officers in the area. We will hunt them wherever they are and flush them out,” he said.
The Deputy President made the remarks on Thursday during an economic empowerment forum in Athwana, Tigania West Constituency.
He cited successful operations in the Kerio Valley and in parts of Lamu County, affirming that similar strategies would be applied to neutralise criminals in Meru North.
Kindiki stressed that banditry is a national security concern that requires coordinated action from the State, beyond the capacity of local leaders.
“This is a national problem. It is beyond the governor, MP, MCA or local leaders. We are ready for it and I will ensure peace and order is fully restored in Meru,” he said.
At the same time, Kindiki assured residents of the Mt Kenya region that they remain central to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He dismissed political rhetoric urging the region to abandon the government, saying the area’s overwhelming support in the last election guarantees continued development attention.
“We must remain in government to benefit from its programmes because we voted for it. Do not be lied to abandon a government you fought for and elected,” he stated.
The Deputy President added that the government is committed to accelerating ongoing development projects in Meru and across the country.
He said the administration would stay focused on service delivery rather than political confrontation.
“We are fulfilling all the promises we made to the people of Meru and across the country. We will not be drawn to the retrogressive politics of pride, insults and violence because that is not how we have been brought up,” he said.
Billions of shillings worth of infrastructure projects are underway in Meru, including the tarmacking of the Kirindini–Mikinduri and Kunene–Miomponi roads, which the government says will improve mobility and boost economic activity.
Several new modern markets are also under construction, with most nearing completion.
Kindiki further pledged support for households affected by prolonged drought, promising the delivery of relief food to cushion vulnerable families.
“We will not let the people suffer. We will support them until the situation eases,” he said.
