The government through the Ministry of Interior and has issued a statement of the security operations in volatile Laikipia.

The orders were issued in a press statement signed by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i dated October 12, 2021.

The government noted that hardcore bandits continue to take advantage of the prevailing drought to continue wreaking havoc in the region despite the government’s efforts to enforce peace and stability in the region.

According to the government, criminal activities perpetrated by the bandits have occasioned the destruction of private property, loss of livestock and innocent lives.

“Unfortunately, innocent lives have been lost and many others injured in attacks that have also occasioned the destruction of private property and loss of livestock,” read part of the statement.

The government also noted that despite the presence of heavy security, the miscreants are still challenging the government’s resolve to restore the normalcy and economic livelihood of Laikipia residents.

The government says it will not tolerate such criminal activities and therefore has given the following directives,

  1. An immediate enhancement of the ongoing security operation to be undertaken to include tightened crack operations in the affected area.
  2. Additional special forces and equipment under the tightened command be deployed to the operation area and...
  3. Non-residents of the areas designated in the Laikipia County Public Order number 2 of 2021 to leave the area.

The government has also assembled a special command team to monitor and continuously review the operation to rid the area of criminal elements.

Chaos erupted in Laikipia about a month ago causing unrest in the Ol Moran region. Bandits attacked residents of the region and took away their livestock.

Several people also lost their lives, others were seriously injured as others were displaced during the skirmishes prompting the government to send special forces to Laikipia to restore enforce peace.