Meru leaders demand quick state action to tame rising insecurity

Meru County leaders want immediate government action to address the deteriorating security around the Northern Grazing Fields in Meru North.

Led by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and Buuri MP Mugambi Rundikiri, they appealed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday, noting insecurity remains a major concern that the government should take seriously.

Kindiki held a consultative forum with the Meru leaders to allow them to share their proposals for addressing the challenge as cases of cattle rustling and border-related conflict have been on the rise in Isiolo and Meru counties.

"To conclusively eradicate the livestock rustling menace, the government is onboarding the input of all stakeholders," he said in a statement.

Last May, Kindiki declared the grazing zone a special operation area, two days after suspected bandits killed former Antubetwe MCA George Kaliunga. He said at the time that special forces would be deployed to fight criminals and curb insecurity.

The minister also ordered the immediate establishment of an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Lololo, to address cattle rustling on the Meru-Isiolo border.

“We have enough police officers and arms to safeguard the people against any security threat,” he said.

"Merchants of death"

During the meeting on Thursday, Meru leaders, including ward representatives, were also updated on the nationwide operation announced Wednesday to combat the manufacture, trade, consumption and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Kithure urged them to cooperate with security agencies to crack down on manufacturers of illicit alcohol, referring to them as "merchants of death" threatening the country's future.

"Those manufacturing illegal alcohol and promoting its sale are merchants of death," he said.

MPs Elizabeth Kailemia (woman representative), Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), John Mutunga (Tigania West), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North) and Dorothy Muthoni (nominated) were among those who attended the meeting.