Government launches multi-agency operation to flush out bandits in Isiolo

Security agencies have moved to intensify operations in parts of northern Kenya following a spike in bandit attacks that have unsettled communities and disrupted economic activity across Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu counties.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the start of the multi-agency operation during a security meeting in Isiolo, held after a series of violent incidents around Isiolo town and neighbouring parts of Meru County. He said the government is determined to dismantle criminal networks that have continued to terrorise residents.

Murkomen said the operation will focus not only on armed bandits but also on people behind the scenes who enable crime through financing, supplying firearms and ammunition, or buying stolen livestock. He noted that such networks have allowed banditry to thrive for years.

According to the Interior CS, intelligence reports have identified several locations used by criminals as hideouts, including Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia, the Kipsing area in Isiolo and the Lependera hills in Samburu. These areas, he said, will be prioritised as the operation begins.

He said the security exercise will run until peace is restored, without any set deadline. Murkomen urged those holding illegal firearms to surrender them willingly, warning that security officers will carry out forceful disarmament once the operation starts.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo welcomed the government’s intervention, saying residents, especially pastoralist communities, have endured repeated attacks for a long time. He said criminals have continued to steal livestock, kill innocent people and escape without facing consequences.

The governor appealed to Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure the operation completely removes criminal elements from the region, allowing residents to resume their daily activities without fear.

The meeting was attended by several leaders, including IG Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal, County MP Mumina Bonaya and Senator Fatuma Dullo, among others.

The government has resolved to deploy security teams drawn from multiple agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Intelligence Service, to Isiolo and surrounding counties as part of efforts to address cattle theft and restore calm in areas affected by drought.

Murkomen said the operation will also involve changes in police deployment to improve coordination and response to insecurity.

“The prolonged drought situation in pastoralist areas has heightened resource conflicts and cattle rustling. This risks rolling back the gains the region has made following the implementation of Operation Maliza Uhalifu and other security interventions,” Murkomen said.

He said the government is assessing the security situation across the region to develop long-term strategies that will help restore stability while addressing challenges linked to drought.

“We resolved to immediately launch a security operation in Isiolo County and neighbouring Samburu and Laikipia. The operation targets illegal firearms, ammunition, criminals, and those abetting crime,” he said.

Murkomen added that the operation will also focus on improving access to affected areas by reopening roads that had been closed due to insecurity, as well as strengthening communication networks to support faster response by security teams.

He confirmed that KDF and NIS officers will work alongside the National Police Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service, following directives issued by President William Ruto.

“Security agencies will reopen some roads in the three counties that had been closed because of insecurity to allow security operations to be carried out more effectively. Within the next few weeks, we are working with the Ministry of Roads to ensure that some roads in Samburu, Isiolo, and Laikipia are opened to ensure that the places where we will be doing the operations will be accessible,” he said.

Murkomen said the operation has full support from the Commander-in-Chief.

“This operation will be multi-agency because it will involve all the security agencies, and the Commander-in-Chief, who is our president, has given marching orders to restore security in Isiolo, Meru, and parts of Laikipia,” Murkomen said.

He also warned that police officers accused of working with criminals or neglecting their duties will face action.

“The NPS leadership will track these officers, take the necessary disciplinary and legal action against them, and dismiss them from the service,” he said.

Murkomen said the Inspector General is already reorganising deployments to replace officers who have overstayed in some areas.

“There are some officers who have overstayed in these areas, and they have made friends, and they are even fearing some people, so the IG is going to do some reorganisations to bring fresh new police officers,” he said.

“There has been laxity in terms of police coordination in this county, and we can agree. Some of them rarely go to their stations, and some just watch as thieves take cows.”

The announcement comes weeks after Murkomen said KDF personnel would also be deployed to secure construction works on the 740km Isiolo-Mandera road, following consultations with Defence and Transport officials, to ensure the project is completed on time.