Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has declared Meru North a security operation zone following rising cases of cattle rustling.
The declaration is meant to pave way for security personnel to deal with the criminal activity whose latest victim is a former ward rep in the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kindiki said the Ministry of Interior is committed to use the same tactics it applied in banditry-prone areas of North Rift Valley to end livestock raids.
"The same dedication, vigour and commitment deployed in the fight against bandits and armed criminals in the six counties of North Rift Valley will be deployed to neutralise perpetrators and masterminds of livestock theft," Kindiki said.
The CS had earlier on Tuesday visited the area to condole with the family of the MCA who was killed by bandits on Sunday.
George Kaliunga, former MCA for Antubetwe-Kiongo Ward, was shot dead by bandits as he pursued them to recover his livestock at Malaene in Igembe North.
Kindiki condemned the act and assured that investigations are underway to identify the killers and recover the stolen animals.
"More security officers have been deployed to contain cases of insecurity in Meru North region," he said.
Kindiki directed the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) led by County Commissioners for Isiolo, Meru and Tharaka-Nithi counties to work towards ending border disputes in the area.
The CS also requested them to work jointly with other law enforcement agencies to stamp out rising cases of livestock rustling.
