At least four suspected bandits were Tuesday killed in an ambush at their makeshift and six rifles with 527 bullets found on them in Igembe, Meru County.
This was during a multi agency security team operation on a makeshift camp established by bandits at Kubisera village, Igembe.
Police said the team confronted and killed four armed bandits and recovered six AK47 rifles, 527 bullets, and eight mobile phones.
The area has been facing increasing cases of banditry prompting outcry from the locals.
This forced the government to launch an operation unit in the region to focus on the menace.
As part of efforts to address the menace, the government has announced plans to vet all members National Police Reserve.
The government launched the vetting exercise following concerns that some officers had gone rogue.
The exercise will include a nationwide re-vetting and fresh training, establishment of a clearer command structure and improving their welfare which will include enhanced stipend and medical cover.
The exercise is ongoing in the larger Kerio Valley.
Over the past two years, 25 NPRs from across the Kerio Valley region have been arrested or dismissed for allegedly aiding banditry and cattle rustling, actions that have been blamed for undermining the ongoing security operation in the area.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had said cases of banditry had declined significantly this year.
A total of 21 people were killed in banditry attacks reported between January- March 2025.
This is a decline as compared to those killed in the same period last year.
Murkomen revealed the deceased include a police officer, eight civilians and 12 suspects as compared to 58 persons who died in the same period in 2024.
“These significant gains are attributed to the concerted efforts of our security officers including the National Police Service, working in close collaboration,” he said.
He said Saturday the first quarter security report covering January- March 2025, indicated significant decrease in cases of banditry and stock theft.
The period between January and March recorded 167 cases of stock theft compared to 263 in the same period in 2024.
During the period under review, a total of 4,935 livestock were stolen compared to 8, 557 in the same period in 2024.
“Our security teams are still confronted by challenges in the fight against banditry including proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and commercialization of banditry through readily available markets for stolen livestock.”
“There is also political interference and incitement, competition for water and pasture during periods of drought and fights over communal land boundaries,” he said.
He added inaccessible safe havens for criminals due to poor infrastructure and mobile network coverage amongst other challenges pose a challenge.
He said the government is working hard to set aside resources for infrastructure development including schools and to provide our security officers with better equipment and resources to tackle these challenges.
Murkomen has been leading the operations in the area, vowing to end the menace.
The government launched an operation to target bandits in the region.
Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government security initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” in the operation that brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
The gangs behind the attacks however keep breaching the operations for attacks.
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