Nanyuki: Civilians in possession of illegal firearms in insecurity-prone areas of Mukogodo forest in Laikipia and the adjacent counties of Isiolo and Meru have been urged to surrender them, with those defying the order facing forceful disarmament. Speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, during a high-level meeting organized by Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT), a local organization that brought together top security officials and conservancy leaders from the three counties, said that Mukogodo forest was a notorious criminal hideout.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kyatha revealed that armed bandits retreated to the forest after conducting criminal activities elsewhere, including livestock theft. To counter the threat, the government had intensified its operations by beefing up security through additional deployment of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), GSU police officers, and setting up a security camp in Kirimon, Laikipia North.
Kyatha noted challenges in the Mukogodo forest, stating that when cattle raids occur in Meru, Isiolo, or Laikipia, they are driven into the forest by bandits. He stressed the importance of finding a lasting solution to the deep-rooted conflicts and highlighted the government's efforts through the deployment of additional police officers. He also addressed the surge of cattle rustling during cultural initiation ceremonies in pastoral areas, calling on community elders to reject such crimes.
NRT CEO Tom Lalampaa reaffirmed his organization's partnership with the State to combat livestock theft, which he said fueled widespread instability in some parts of Northern Kenya. Lalampaa emphasized that there is significant livestock raiding within communities and stressed the need for lasting peace for regional development, which had been undermined by insecurity. He underscored the importance of working closely with community conservancies in the region for timely updates on security threats.