Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded sharply to Rigathi Gachagua after the latter threatened to mobilize residents of Meru North to arm themselves against cattle rustlers.
In a statement on Monday, March 23, Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s threats, noting that banditry in the region has been a long-standing problem for over a decade.
He further pointed out that insecurity in Meru North worsened during the period when some of Gachagua’s current allies were responsible for national security.
Kindiki Responds After Gachagua Threatens Action Against Cattle Rustlers. Photo: Courtesy.
Kindiki’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the two leaders as concerns over cattle rustling and regional security continue to dominate discussions in Meru North.
Kindiki highlighted that during his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he spent several months in Meru North and the neighboring counties coordinating security operations to dismantle bandit networks.
He criticized Rigathi Gachagua, noting that while he held the office of Deputy President at the time, he did not visit Meru North to show support or solidarity with residents.
Kindiki acknowledged that bandit attacks in the region have intensified over the past two weeks, resulting in the loss of lives and livestock.
He assured locals that the government remains committed to taking decisive action against criminals, emphasizing that interventions are being carried out as part of the state’s duty to protect citizens and their property.
In addition, the DP challenged Gachagua to highlight any development projects or meaningful security initiatives he advanced while serving as Deputy President, calling attention to the government’s ongoing efforts in the region.
On Sunday, March 22, Rigathi Gachagua issued a 10-day ultimatum to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the government to deploy security forces in Meru, Isiolo, and Samburu counties to tackle escalating banditry.
He warned that failure to act would compel him to personally move to Meru North and mobilize locals to defend themselves against cattle rustlers.
The National Police Service (NPS) had already announced the deployment of a multi-agency security team on Saturday, March 21, to restore peace in Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties.
According to the NPS, the operation will focus on key hotspots, including Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia, Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo, as well as surrounding areas, aiming to curb bandit activities and protect communities in the region.
