MERU, Kenya- A major security operation has been launched targeting bandit networks across four counties as the government moves to crush a resurgence of violent attacks in parts of northern and central Kenya.
The crackdown is underway in Meru County, Samburu County, Isiolo County and Laikipia County, following what authorities describe as a worrying spike in killings, livestock theft and armed raids.
Coordinated crackdown
According to security officials, the operation is a multi-agency effort led by the National Police Service with support from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), combining ground and aerial surveillance in a coordinated offensive.
The move follows renewed bandit attacks in recent weeks, particularly in Meru and surrounding regions, where authorities say criminal groups have intensified violence, threatening to reverse gains made in stabilising the area.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chaired a high-level security briefing in Meru, said the government had resolved to launch what he termed the most comprehensive operation yet against banditry.
“The government is going to firmly deal with the bandits,” Kindiki said, signalling a hardline approach to restore order.
Hotspot areas identified
Security agencies have identified several key bandit hideouts and operational zones across the four counties.
These include remote and rugged areas such as Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia, parts of Isiolo, including Kipsing and Ngare Mara, and Samburu East locations like Lentana and Sereolipi. Authorities believe these regions are being used as bases for armed groups and as holding grounds for stolen livestock and illegal firearms.
Additional elite units have already been deployed to the ground, backed by enhanced equipment and air support to track and flush out suspects.
“All-out war” on bandits
The government has framed the operation as an intelligence-led, full-scale offensive aimed at dismantling bandit networks, recovering stolen livestock, and mopping up illegal arms.
Security personnel have been given firm instructions to neutralise threats within the confines of the law, as part of what officials describe as an “all-out war” on banditry.
Kindiki noted that while significant progress had been made over the past three years in suppressing banditry and terrorism, recent attacks have exposed gaps that must now be decisively addressed.
Rising insecurity concerns
Banditry has long plagued parts of Kenya, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where porous borders, proliferation of illegal firearms and competition over resources have fuelled cycles of violence.
Recent incidents — including killings, cattle rustling and attacks on civilians — have heightened fears among residents, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
Authorities are now appealing to local communities to cooperate with security agencies, warning that some areas could be declared disturbed zones to facilitate the ongoing operation.
MERU TOWN, KENYA SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026In 2022, this Administration was sworn into office in the middle of both an economic crisis and a security crisis.While terrorist attacks were frequent in North Eastern Region and Lamu, maurauding gangs of dangerously armed bandits
What next
The multi-agency deployment is expected to intensify in the coming days, with security teams conducting targeted raids, surveillance and disarmament exercises.
Officials say the success of the operation will depend not only on force deployment but also on intelligence sharing and community support.
