This archive report was first published on 13 October 2021.
Laikipia County has been gripped by insecurity, with bandits terrorizing residents and leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. At least 11 people have lost their lives in the past two months, and the situation shows no signs of improving.
Despite a month-long security operation, the bandits continue to wreak havoc, taking advantage of the drought in neighboring counties to commit criminal invasions. The government has pointed out that the bandits, who have fashioned themselves as herders seeking pasture, have left their home counties in Samburu and Isiolo to continue their nefarious activities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i has announced the formation of a special command team to take over the security operation in Laikipia. The team will be responsible for monitoring and reviewing the operation, which has so far failed to make significant progress in halting the attacks.
As part of the new measures, the government has ordered non-residents of the area to leave, and has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Laikipia. The operation is currently being undertaken by a multi-agency team, including officers from the National Police Service, border patrol units, and the Kenya Defence Forces.
On Sunday evening, the bandits shot three people dead in separate incidents at Eighteen Village and Mbogoini Village. Last week, they conducted a series of raids in various villages in Laikipia West, making away with tens of heads of cattle. In two separate attacks, five National Police Reservists were shot, leaving one dead and four nursing bullet injuries.
Dr. Matiang'i has vowed to take decisive action to restore normalcy and economic livelihoods to the residents of Laikipia. The government has promised to enhance the security operation, including deploying additional special forces and equipment to the affected area.
