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Laikipia leaders call for military operation to flush out bandits
02nd February, 2026 04:36 PM
Leaders from Laikipia have called for a military operation to flush out bandits from Mukogodo Forest and recover livestock stolen from residents.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, her Laikipia East counterpart Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said residents of Doldol in Laikipia North have suffered enough at the hands of bandits who have terrorised the area for the past two weeks.
“I am sending a message to the bandits. The days of a thief are 40, and yours are numbered. You cannot terrorise an entire community and walk free. We are going to mobilise security from across the county and deal with all of you,” Mwangi Kiunjuri said.
The leaders called on the government to actualise its commitment and conduct a thorough security operation in the forest, where bandits have established hideouts and continue to launch attacks before making away with livestock.
“We want the government to hasten the operation of flushing out these bandits from Mukogodo Forest and the Losos Mountain. We cannot be dealing with insecurity in this era simply because some people have decided to be thieves.
Our children are not going to school, and while that may be a win for you, we promise this is the last time it is happening,” Kiunjuri added.
Kiunjuri said the attackers are heavily armed, noting that the few firearms issued to National Police Reservists (NPR) in Laikipia are insufficient to counter the threat.
More than 1,200 goats and 250 cows have been stolen so far, sparking tension in Soit Oudo, Kurum, and Saramba areas, where some residents have been forced to flee their homes.
Four schools remain closed after pupils moved away with their parents for fear of continued attacks.
Speaking at Saramba Nursery School on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a visit to the area, the MPs called for a disarmament exercise in Samburu and Isiolo counties, where the bandits are believed to originate from.
Echoing Kiunjuri’s sentiments, Sarah Korere warned that residents may be forced to protect themselves if the government fails to act.
“Can the government hasten the disarmament process in Samburu and Isiolo counties? If not, let them show us the gun market so that we can also get a few for ourselves. We can protect ourselves if the government fails,” Korere lamented.
The leaders sent a strong message to the attackers, saying they will not sit back and watch residents being evicted from their land.
“We were elected to protect our people, and we will proudly do so. We want more well-armed NPR officers deployed here with immediate effect.
“The normal functioning of a community cannot be paralysed by a few criminals. We are united in this, and we will restore the peace that Laikipia deserves,” Kagiri said.
Kagiri said the leaders will seek an audience with the President to discuss the way forward, noting that Laikipia has often borne the brunt of banditry attacks.
She added that it was unfortunate that pupils are currently out of school due to insecurity, yet little action has been taken.
The region remains insecure as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is expected to tour the area on Monday.
