- The CS said that the situation, involving marauding armed criminals causing harm and economic impoverishment, must be conclusively eradicated.
- Kindiki emphasized the urgency of addressing the persistent livestock theft menace.
Image: MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to the Meru security team in response to the escalating incidents of cattle rustling in the Northern parts of Meru County.
Speaking during a security briefing at Mutuati in Meru County on Saturday, Kindiki emphasized the urgency of addressing the persistent livestock theft menace.
“Meru County Security team must prioritize and pay full attention to the persistent livestock rustling menace in Mutuati and other parts of Meru North,” he stated.
The CS said that the situation, involving marauding armed criminals causing harm and economic impoverishment, must be conclusively eradicated.
“It is not possible for marauding armed criminals to continue killing people and impoverishing others economically. This vice must be completely and conclusively eradicated,” Kindiki added.
At the same time, the CS warned security officers against laxity and collusion with criminals.
He warned that officers found doing such would be sacked and prosecuted.
“Equally, security officers who are lax or collude with criminals for cheap financial gain will be severely punished. We will not transfer such rogue officers anymore; instead, we will sack and prosecute them,” Kindiki said.
Addressing the security managers directly, the Interior boss urged them to collaborate as a cohesive team to swiftly eliminate the problem of cattle rustling.
Kindiki warned that the situation must not get worse than it is at the moment.
“This problem of cattle rustling must be eliminated in the shortest time possible. As security managers in this County, I urge you to work as a team, and collectively solve this problem,” he emphasized.
Acknowledging the challenging conditions faced by security officers operating in areas plagued by banditry and livestock theft, the CS expressed appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.
He encouraged officers to maintain their spirit of dedication and patriotism.
“Officers who help neutralize and thwart the menace of livestock rustling will be recognized and rewarded through promotions and other state honours,” Kindiki assured.
To address the menace in Meru, the government has taken significant measures, including deploying National Police Reservists (NPRs) and elite security formations, designating certain areas as ‘disturbed and dangerous
Last November, 140 additional National Police Reservists (NPR) were deployed in Meru North, to supplement police efforts to tackle livestock rustling.
The CS had stated that cattle rustling remained a challenge in Meru North, threatening the livelihood of people.
The government also enhanced security by setting up more security camps for the Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the General Service Unit (GSU) special forces in the area.
In addition, the CS appealed to members of the public to support the police officers in secluding bandits and criminals.
Kindiki urged Kenyans to cooperate with security agencies and national government administrators to provide intelligence on the criminals.
He also said the government has, as a priority, the mandate to curb insecurity and put criminals behind bars.
"Security officers are instructed to use the firearms they hold to lawfully protect citizens and their property. Armed criminals daring security agencies will be dealt with ruthlessly,” Kindiki added.