In a decisive move aimed at curbing escalating insecurity in central Kenya, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared parts of Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties as security-disturbed and dangerous zones. The announcement, made via a special gazette notice on Thursday, March 26, comes in response to mounting concerns over banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the region.
Murkomen stated that this declaration will grant security agencies the legal framework needed to launch targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal groups operating within these areas, particularly those involved in armed banditry. The operation is expected to involve a comprehensive mop-up of illegal firearms as part of an ongoing effort to restore peace and security.
The specific areas declared disturbed in Laikipia County include parts of Laikipia North, namely Mugogo Forest, Mugogodo, Sieku, Makuriani, and Doldol. In Meru County, the affected regions span Tigania East and Igembe North sub-counties, which include Mlima Rasta, Mlima Lombolio, Mworontoi Belt, Nyambene Game Reserve, and the Ngatho Dam area. Isiolo County is similarly impacted, with parts of Isiolo North, including Sarova Game Reserve, Lowangishu Hills, Mutuyni, and Loruku Hills, identified as hotbeds of insecurity.
Murkomen emphasized that the declaration will take effect immediately on Thursday, March 26, at 6 pm, for a period of 30 days. However, he added that the government could extend or withdraw the order based on the evolving security situation in these counties. "This declaration is part of a larger security operation designed to confront the criminal elements and restore order to these regions," Murkomen said, underscoring that the operation would be comprehensive and multi-agency in nature.
This latest security measure follows the earlier deployment of 400 additional police officers to reinforce existing teams, a move that highlights the government’s commitment to combating the rising threat of banditry. Murkomen further announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) would be involved in the operation, aiming to bolster security and eliminate the root causes of the unrest.
The operation will also focus on reopening key roads in the affected counties that had been closed due to insecurity, ensuring that both security personnel and local residents can move freely and safely. "We are working closely with the Ministry of Roads to ensure that critical roads in Samburu, Isiolo, and Laikipia are accessible for the duration of this operation," Murkomen added.
In a show of commitment to transparency and accountability, Murkomen also revealed that a crackdown would be launched on police officers suspected of abetting criminal activities by either failing to take action against criminals or actively collaborating with them. This broad approach reflects the government’s resolve to not only address the immediate security concerns but also root out systemic corruption within the security apparatus.
As the security operation gets underway, the government’s message is clear: no effort will be spared in restoring peace and ensuring that lawlessness does not take root in these strategic counties. With banditry increasingly threatening the livelihoods of locals, this intervention represents the government’s firm stance in reasserting control over the region.