NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared parts of Laikipia County, Meru County and Isiolo County as security-disturbed and dangerous, paving the way for an intensified multi-agency operation targeting banditry and armed criminal networks.
In a statement, Murkomen said the move is aimed at facilitating a large-scale security operation to “weed out perpetrators of recent incidents of criminal activities” in the affected regions.
The declaration grants security agencies expanded operational powers, including restricted access to certain zones and coordinated enforcement actions under the law.
In a Gazette notice, Murkomen said the notice shall take effect on March 26 as from 6pm, for a period of 30 days.
Areas affected in Laikipia North include Mugogodo, Sieku, Makuriani and Doldol.
In Tigania East Sub-County, the affected areas include Mlima Rasta, Mlima Lombolio, Mworontoi Belt and Nyambene Game.
In Igembe South, Ngatho Dam area is affected by the declaration.
In Isiolo North Constituency, areas affected include Sarova Game Reserve, Lowarengishu Hills, Mutunyi Hills and Loruku Hills.
Major deployment and mop-up
The crackdown comes amid rising insecurity linked to bandit attacks and proliferation of illegal firearms across parts of northern and central Kenya.
Murkomen revealed that the government has already deployed an additional 400 police officers to reinforce teams on the ground, as part of a broader strategy to restore order.
The operation will also focus on a mop-up of illegal weapons, a key driver of recurring violence in the region.
Previous government operations have involved multi-agency teams drawn from the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces, working jointly to stabilise volatile مناطق and dismantle criminal networks.
War on banditry
Authorities say the renewed push signals a more aggressive phase in the government’s war on banditry, which has continued to disrupt livelihoods, displace communities and strain inter-county relations.
Parts of Isiolo and Meru, as well as Laikipia, have experienced repeated attacks in recent months, with armed groups targeting civilians, livestock and security personnel.
Murkomen said the government will sustain pressure until the regions are fully secured.
“We shall intensify our efforts until banditry is completely eradicated in these areas and criminal networks dismantled,” he stated.
Security operations similar to the ongoing campaign have previously been rolled out across the North Rift under multi-agency frameworks aimed at restoring peace and enabling economic activity to resume.
What the declaration means
Under Kenyan law, areas declared as “security-disturbed and dangerous” are subject to heightened surveillance and operational control by security agencies.
Such declarations typically allow:
- Restriction of movement in designated zones
- Intensified security patrols and searches
- Targeted operations against suspected criminals
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security personnel as the operation unfolds.
