Meru leaders decry rising insecurity, fault gov't over banditry

A section of leaders from Meru County have raised alarm over rising cases of banditry and livestock theft in parts of the region, accusing the government of failing to act decisively to protect residents.

Led by Tigania West parliamentary seat aspirant and Democratic Party national chairman Peter Ndubai and former Athwana MCA Victor Karith, the leaders said frequent attacks in the northern grazing zones of Buuri, Igembe, and Tigania have left herders living in fear.

Mr Ndubai described the insecurity as a “thorn in the flesh” for residents, claiming that while other regions have benefited from intensified crackdowns and recovery of stolen livestock, Meru has been sidelined.

“The government has been efficient and effective in other regions where productive crackdowns have been conducted and livestock returned, but none in Meru,” he said.

He questioned why authorities allegedly engage in negotiations with bandits accused of stealing livestock and killing herders and police officers, instead of arresting and prosecuting them.

Mr Ndubai further called for political tolerance during the ongoing campaigns, urging security agencies to ensure equal treatment for all political sides.

“There should be no partisan rallies, no teargas or killings targeting any political camp. People should get the same attention, security and opportunity to express themselves in every part of this nation,” he said.

He added that Meru residents overwhelmingly supported President William Ruto in the last election but feel neglected.

“Our elected leaders should tell the President to give the Meru community what is rightfully theirs,” Mr Ndubai said.

Mr Karith echoed the sentiments, calling for a free and fair political environment and condemning what he termed as harassment and intolerance by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of allowing police to use excessive force.

Mr Karith also claimed that only a small percentage of stolen livestock is recovered during security operations, alleging that disputes over the recovered animals further disadvantage genuine owners.

“The recoveries are just a joke. Only about two to 10 percent of stolen livestock is returned. Our leaders must speak up for the people,” he said.

On education, Mr Ndubai urged the government to ensure full transition of learners to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Education, citing financial challenges facing parents amid drought and high cost of living.

“Why joke with free education? Make it fully free as it was during former President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure. Many parents cannot afford school fees, and thousands of learners are yet to join school,” he said.

Jeremiah Mwaine, Democratic Party chair for Tigania West, said residents are grappling not only with insecurity but also human-wildlife conflict, particularly destruction caused by elephants in Kibiru and Kang’ethe areas without compensation despite formal complaints.

He termed the ongoing security operation ineffective and questioned why suspects found with stolen livestock are not being arrested.

Peter Mbaabu, the party’s Meru secretary, said the current operation must be strengthened to restore confidence among residents.

Priscilla Mukiri of the Democratic Party called for greater inclusion of youth and women in elective positions, urging the President to take stock of the challenges facing Kenyans and address them urgently.

The leaders maintained that restoring security, ensuring political tolerance and addressing the high cost of living should be top priorities for the government.