Kindiki hits back at Gachagua over Meru North banditry ultimatum

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of issuing threats over banditry in Meru North, saying the government will act to stop attacks regardless of political pressure.

Kindiki said banditry had existed for more than a decade and insisted the government would “crush the criminals” as it did in previous security operations.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kindiki said he had received information that Gachagua had given him 10 days to address banditry in Meru North or face public mobilisation encouraging residents to arm themselves and fight cattle rustlers.

“I hear you have given me 10 days to address banditry in Meru North or else you will go there to incite the public to arm themselves and fight cattle rustlers,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said banditry in the region was not a new problem, noting that insecurity in Meru North had existed for more than a decade and worsened at a time when individuals now politically aligned with Gachagua were in charge of national security.

“For your information, banditry in Meru North has been there for more than 10 years, and it became worse when some of the friends you are now frolicking with were in charge of national security,” he said.

The debate comes amid Gachagua accusing the government of failing to stop bandit attacks and cattle rustling in Meru County, particularly in the Tigania and Igembe areas.

Speaking at a public event, he claimed residents were being killed and livestock stolen while the government failed to act decisively.

According to reports, Gachagua said, “The people of Meru are being killed like rats by bandits, and the government is silent and part of it.”

He also claimed that insecurity in the region was linked to land and mineral interests and alleged that thousands of livestock had been stolen and many people killed in recent years.

He further issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government to deploy adequate security along the Meru borders with Samburu and Isiolo counties, warning that if no action was taken, he would mobilise residents to defend themselves and their livestock.

Kindiki defended his record during his tenure as Interior Minister, stating that he personally coordinated security operations in the region and neighbouring counties to dismantle bandit networks.

“When I assumed office as Interior Minister, I spent months in that region and the neighbouring counties, sleeping in bush camps and coordinating security formations to crush bandit networks. The Government succeeded,” he said.

He also accused Gachagua of failing to support security efforts at the time despite holding high office, saying he did not visit the region or show solidarity with affected communities.

“You offered no support despite the high office you held then, not even a visit to Meru North to show solidarity with the people you now seem to have so much concern for,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President acknowledged that bandit attacks had resumed in the area in recent weeks, resulting in loss of life and livestock. However, he insisted that the government would respond firmly and restore security in the region.

“Bandit attacks have resumed over the last two weeks, with devastating loss of life and livestock. The Government will crush the criminals, like we did in 2023–2024. To your shock and dismay, we will succeed,” he said.

Kindiki emphasised that government action would not be influenced by political pressure or ultimatums, stating that the government has a responsibility to protect citizens and their property.

“We are not acting because of your empty and childish threats and ultimatums, but because the Government has a duty to protect the people of Kenya and their property,” he said.

He further criticised Gachagua’s record while in office, accusing him of failing to support development projects or contribute to national development efforts.

“You failed when you had the power and influence to assist the people, not just on security matters, but are you aware that you can not pinpoint one single development project you fought for its implementation anywhere in the Republic of Kenya while you were in office?” he said.

Kindiki also dismissed political rhetoric and threats, saying leadership should be judged based on service delivery and development outcomes.

“You can rant all you like about Kasongo this, Soprano that, but your hateful rhetoric and useless threats won’t sell. Let’s compete on who has pushed the people’s agenda and wellbeing more, and I will show you dust any day, anywhere in this country,” he said.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions between the two leaders, particularly over security and development issues in regions affected by cattle rustling and bandit attacks.

Kindiki concluded his statement by dismissing the threats and saying he would not be intimidated.

“Tafuta watu wengine wa kutisha, sio sisi,” he said.

Translation: “Go look for other people to threaten, not us!"

The remarks signal a continuing political confrontation between the Deputy President and his predecessor, even as the government prepares further security operations to address renewed bandit attacks in Meru North and surrounding areas.