Interior CS Kithure Kindiki now says that bandits will have nowhere to run as the government upscales efforts to tame livestock theft.
Speaking in Isiolo County during the handover of camels stolen recently but recovered from bandits at the Mulango Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Camp, Kindiki said that what they have so far done is just the beginning.
He said the bandits will be sought after and eliminated by all means.
"This year, there is no escape route for criminals. The fire we have lit on them is just a warm-up. We must completely dismantle the entire infrastructure of banditry and livestock theft," he said.
"We must end this menace of livestock rustling, terrorism and organised crime so that our people in the North Rift Valley Region and North Eastern Region can embark on development and economic activities."
The CS said this ahead of the upcoming security operation in certain areas of Isiolo, Meru, Marsabit and Samburu.
In his address, Kindiki gave the Eastern and Rift Valley Regional Commissioners seven days to ensure all pending aspects of the operation are completed.
He insisted that they must personally supervise the operation and give daily updates on recovered livestock.
"The Operation is on. Na sio operation ya siku kidogo."
Kindiki cautioned National Government Administration Officers, that if cattle rustlers are hiding and harbouring stolen livestock in their areas there will be consequences.
"You either surrender the Government crown you hold or do your work. Criminals and livestock rustlers cannot find a safe haven in your area as a chief or assistant chief, and we still have you in office," he said.
The CS noted that no innocent civilians will be victimised by the operation.
He, however, said that criminals involved in banditry, killing of innocent citizens and security officers have every reason to fear, insisting that the practice must come to an end.
"If you have not stolen anyone's goat, cow, or camel, why would you fear a security operation? No innocent person will be affected. Hatuna haja ya kusumbua wamama, watoto au wazee. Shida yetu ni wezi, magaidi, wauaji na wafadhili wao. (We have no reason to disturb women, children and the elderly. Our only problem is thieves, murders and their sponsors)
"I can assure you, these criminals have every reason to fear. But the innocent citizens have nothing to fear. When law-abiding citizens and security officers are in one team, and criminals on the other end, it will be so easy to deal with them."
