Leaders Push for Guns and Bullets as Banditry Ravages Northern Meru

The escalating crisis of banditry in northern Meru County has reached a critical juncture, prompting local leaders to demand urgent and decisive action to address the pervasive insecurity. 

The immediate catalyst for this renewed urgency was the sombre funeral of three police reservists—Moses Mungathia, Robert Mwenda, and Martin Kinyua—who were killed in an encounter with cattle rustlers earlier this month. At a memorial gathering held on Saturday, local leaders, led by Governor Isaac Mutuma, called on the county government to allocate funds for firearms and the deployment of rangers to combat the persistent threat of cattle rustling. 

Governor Mutuma, emphasising his commitment to the safety of his constituents, stated firmly, "I will not be a governor of the dead." This proposal, however, raises complex questions about the division of responsibilities between county and national governments, as security remains a constitutional mandate of the national government. Senator Kathuri Murungi echoed Governor Mutuma's sentiments, acknowledging the severe toll that banditry has taken on local communities. 

He pledged to support any budgetary allocations made by the county to address insecurity, despite potential legal and political challenges. Senator Murungi emphasised that while security is primarily a national responsibility, the county government must intervene to protect its people when circumstances demand immediate action. The crisis is rooted in years of escalating cattle rustling, which has devastated communities in Igembe North and surrounding areas. Since 2022, over 6,000 cattle have been stolen, and more than 20 lives have been lost in raids, including those of police reservists. 

Beyond livestock theft, residents face ongoing harassment on their farms, which exacerbates poverty and despair. Compounding these challenges are frequent human-wildlife conflicts, particularly along the Meru-Isiolo border, where elephant invasions of farmlands have become common. In response to these multifaceted issues, leaders have proposed the establishment of a community conservancy in the border region. This initiative is intended as a dual solution to address both banditry and wildlife incursions. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has highlighted this proposal as a potential long-term solution, while President William Ruto has assured the public of his administration's commitment to eradicating banditry, citing successes in the North Rift as a model. However, frustration with the national government's response persists. MP Julius Taitumu criticised the recovery of the slain reservists' weapons without accompanying arrests, questioning the effectiveness of ongoing security operations. 

Concerns have also been raised about the negotiation-based recovery of stolen guns, which some view as a symptom of broader systemic failures. Recently, the recovery of over 70 stolen goats in Laare offered a small measure of relief, but it does not address the broader security concerns facing the region. Residents, such as Antuambui MCA Fredrick Mburugu, lamented the erosion of their livelihoods and dignity. 

"After stealing all our cattle, they are now harassing women on the farms," Mr. Mburugu stated, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.