In a significant operation on Tuesday, authorities successfully neutralized four suspected bandits during a security raid in Kubisera village, Igembe, Meru County. The operation, which was part of a broader crackdown on rising banditry in the region, also resulted in the seizure of six AK-47 rifles, 527 rounds of ammunition, and eight mobile phones. The raid targeted a makeshift camp believed to be operated by the suspects, who have been causing security concerns in the area.
The region has experienced an alarming surge in banditry, with increased attacks on both civilians and security personnel. The heightened insecurity prompted the intervention of security forces, aiming to restore order and prevent further violence. Authorities confirmed that the operation was a success, as officers managed to recover a significant amount of weapons and neutralize the suspects who had been terrorizing the residents.
This operation is part of a larger government initiative aimed at curbing the menace of banditry in the area. To combat the increasing insecurity, the government has deployed specialized units and enhanced patrols in areas affected by banditry. Alongside these efforts, the government has also initiated a vetting process for members of the National Police Reserve. This move follows concerns that some members of the reserve may have become rogue and contributed to the rising insecurity. The vetting process includes fresh training, restructuring the command chain, and offering improvements in welfare, such as increased stipends and access to medical cover for the officers.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary recently reported a noticeable decrease in banditry incidents, attributing the reduction to coordinated efforts between the National Police Service and other security agencies. Statistics from early 2025 show a marked decline in fatalities related to banditry. Between January and March 2025, 21 people lost their lives to banditry-related incidents, a significant drop from the 58 fatalities recorded in the same period the previous year. The victims included a police officer, eight civilians, and 12 suspects. Moreover, there was a reduction in livestock theft, with 167 reported cases in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 263 during the same period in 2024. The number of stolen animals also decreased from 8,557 in early 2024 to 4,935 in 2025.
Despite these positive developments, the Interior Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that the battle against banditry is far from over. Persistent challenges such as the proliferation of illegal firearms, political interference, land disputes, and difficult terrain with limited infrastructure and mobile network coverage continue to hinder progress. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to overcoming these obstacles by investing in infrastructure, schools, and better equipment for security personnel.
The operation in Igembe is part of the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023. This operation is a coordinated campaign involving the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces, targeting banditry and cattle rustling across nine counties in the North Rift region. The counties affected include Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. Within these counties, several areas have been designated as “disturbed” and “dangerous” zones, where security agencies are focusing their efforts to restore peace.
As security forces continue their operations, residents in these areas remain hopeful that the intensified efforts will lead to lasting peace and stability, allowing communities to recover from the devastating effects of banditry and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
