Dennis Gichuiri
The Nyambene Njuri Ncheke Trust has accused the government of failing to protect residents in parts of Meru and Isiolo counties following a surge in killings, cattle theft and bandit attacks in the region.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, the Trust’s Organising Secretary Kamenchu Ringera said the community was outraged by what he termed as “systematic security failures” and alleged state negligence in addressing insecurity in northern Meru grazing zones and neighbouring areas.
The Trust claimed that several areas including Tigania East, Tigania West, Igembe Central, Igembe North and Buuri had witnessed deadly attacks in recent months, leaving dozens dead and thousands of livestock stolen.
Ringera cited the killings of residents, including Samuel Mnuru in Kianjai and Jesse Kailikia alongside Githonga Kaivalo in Makulubai, saying the attacks had left communities living in fear.
“Our people are being slaughtered like livestock while the state remains a passive spectator,” he said.
The organisation faulted the government despite previous assurances from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on restoring security in the affected regions.
According to the Trust, more than 142 people have reportedly been killed over the last four months, while approximately 15,000 cattle have been stolen by armed bandits operating across the Meru-Isiolo border.
The group further alleged that the disarmament of the National Police Reserve (NPR) had weakened local security structures, leaving residents vulnerable to attacks by heavily armed gangs.
The Trust also raised concerns over what it described as imbalance and lack of diversity in the police command structure within Meru, Isiolo and neighbouring conflict-prone areas.
Ringera claimed that a majority of senior security officers deployed in the region came from one ethnic community, a situation he argued violated constitutional provisions requiring inclusivity and representation in public service appointments.
“This is not a coincidence. It is a deliberate deployment strategy that violates the spirit of the Constitution,” he said.
Vice Chairperson of the Trust Prof. Gitile Naituli demanded immediate restructuring of the security leadership in Meru and Isiolo counties, including the transfer of officers who have served in the region for more than three years.
“We demand a command structure that reflects the face of Kenya. Kenya is a multi-ethnic society and policing should reflect that diversity,” said Prof. Naituli.
The Trust also called for investigations and prosecution of individuals allegedly financing the attacks and cattle raids, arguing that the persistent insecurity pointed to organised criminal networks operating within and outside the region.
In addition, the organisation urged the government to compensate families of those killed and facilitate the recovery or reimbursement of stolen livestock.
The leaders further called for the restoration and rearming of the National Police Reserve, saying local reservists understood the terrain better and played a critical role in community protection.
The Trust also appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take full possession of the Nyambene National Reserve, arguing that the vast area had become vulnerable to illegal activities and cross-border incursions.
Prof. Naituli warned that failure by the government to address the crisis could escalate tensions and expose communities to retaliatory violence.
He said the Trust had issued the government with a 14-day ultimatum to take decisive action, failing which it would move to court to compel authorities to address the insecurity.
“When the 14 days lapse without serious action being taken, we will be forced to take legal action because citizens deserve protection from their government,” he said.
