Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed that the government will intensify operations against banditry in Meru North, dismissing threats and political ultimatums linked to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Kindiki, responding strongly to criticism over recent insecurity incidents, said banditry in the area is not a new problem and accused some political actors of ignoring the issue when they held positions of influence in government.
“Wa Mitego, 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.
He noted that the insecurity challenges in Meru North have persisted for more than a decade, adding that the situation worsened when some of those now issuing threats were previously 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.
Past operations and government response
The Deputy President defended the government’s record, stating that significant progress had already been made in restoring calm through coordinated security operations conducted in 2023 and 2024.
“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,” he said.
“The Government succeeded,” he added.
Kindiki said renewed attacks over the last two weeks had led to loss of life and livestock, but insisted that security agencies were already responding to the situation.
“Bandit attacks have resumed over the last two weeks, with devastating loss of life and livestock,” he said.
Government will act decisively
The Deputy President emphasized that the government’s response is not driven by political pressure or threats, but by its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“The Government will crush the criminals, like we did in 2023-2024. To your shock and dismay, we will succeed,” Kindiki said.
He dismissed what he termed as “empty and childish threats,” insisting that security operations will continue until stability is fully restored in affected areas.
“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.
Kindiki also criticized his detractors, accusing them of failing to deliver meaningful development projects while in office.
“You can rant all you like about Kasongo this, Soprano that, but your hateful rhetoric and useless threats won’t sell,” he said.
He challenged critics to a comparison of development records, saying he was ready to demonstrate what he described as tangible results in public service.
“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 Deputy President concluded with a firm message rejecting intimidation.
“Tafuta watu wengine wa kutisha, sio sisi,” he said.
