Major security operation set to tackle livestock theft in Laikipia

MARTIN MUNYI-KNA

The Government has announced a major operation in Mukogodo Forest, Laikipia County, aimed at flushing out armed bandits who have been terrorizing residents and stealing livestock.

Interior Cabinet Secre t a r y K i p c h u m b a Murkomen, while making the announcement at Kurum Chief’s Camp in Laikipia North Sub-County, stated that the operation would commence within 48 hours and would be carried out by the Kenya Police Service with support from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

“These are just a few criminals with guns who are holding back our region, but we will not relent until they are flushed out and peace is restored in Laikipia,” Murkomen said.

The CS, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputy Gilbert Masengeli, and other senior security officers, noted that the armed bandits mainly come from the neighboring counties of Samburu and Isiolo. 

They have been entering Laikipia to steal livestock, and in the process, maiming and killing residents.

“The insecurity witnessed here largely emanates from Samburu East where bandits from Losos and Labendera have invaded Mukogodo forest, others from Kipsing and Oldonyiro in Isiolo County have also invaded Laikipia,” the CS said.

The move to carry out the operation comes barely two weeks after armed bandits stormed the area and attacked upper Naibung’a National Police Reservists (NPR) camp wounding several reservist and made away with over 1000 goats and sheep and over 200 herds of cattle from the neighbouring villages.

The attack brought tension in the area with some of the villagers fleeing the area for fear of more attacks from the bandits who are believed to be hiding inside the dense Mukogodo forest.