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MPs Jane Kagiri, Sarah Korere decry protection of bandits in Laikipia

09:41 PM
MPs Jane Kagiri, Sarah Korere decry protection of bandits in Laikipia

Women leaders from Laikipia have called on the government to hasten the discernment process in Isiolo and Samburu counties and to expedite the operation to recover stolen livestock from Mukogondo Forest.

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and Laikipia MP Jane Kagiri said residents of Doldol in Laikipia North have suffered for the last two weeks at the hands of bandits who have terrorised the area.

“It is sad that our children are not going to school. We cannot live as squatters in our own land because we are not armed.

“We demand that the discernment process happens immediately before we decide to provide security for ourselves,” Korere said.

Mwangi Kiunjuri gestures as he talks to Sarah Korere over the rising cases of bandit attacks, as captured by our Mediamax correspondent in Laikipia, Wanjira Wachira. PHOTO/Wanjira Wachira
Mwangi Kiunjuri gestures as he speaks with Sarah Korere about the rising number of bandit attacks, as captured by our Mediamax correspondent in Laikipia, Wanjira Wachira. PHOTO/Wanjira Wachira

Korere urged the government to keep its promise to the people of Laikipia North and conduct a thorough operation in the forest, where bandits have easily attacked and stolen livestock.

“Mukogondo Forest is a heritage site maintained by our people for years. It has now become a dark space where our lives are endangered. Instead of serving tourism, it is causing pain and chaos,” she added.

Korere noted that the bandits are armed, while the residents of Laikipia are largely unarmed. The only protective weapons are the few government-issued guns issued to National Police Reservists in the area.

“I am asking the government: who is protecting these bandits in that forest? We have police, GSU, and KDF.

“Do you mean they cannot protect us? No, it is either that someone is shielding them or someone is negligent at work. We want answers and action; we have lives to live,” MP Korere lamented.

Speaking at Saramba Nursery School on February 2, 2026, during a feeding event for affected families, Jane Kagiri expressed sympathy and promised full support.

Laikipia Woman Rep Jane Kagiri. PHOTO/@hon_kagiri/X

“It is heartbreaking to see our children out of school and families displaced because there is no peace.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to profit from another’s suffering. We will raise our voices until peace is restored,” said Kagiri.

Displaced families are camping in schools, halting teaching, while others have moved with their animals to safer towns.

During the feeding, Korere and Kagiri sent a clear message to the attackers: residents will not be evicted from their land.

“We want Mukogondo cleared. Anyone living there who is not a resident must leave. We are a peaceful community until provoked,” said Korere.

Kagiri added that food aid will continue until a long-term solution is found and noted that Laikipia has often borne the brunt of banditry.

The region remains tense as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is expected to tour the area tomorrow.

Author

Wanjira Wachira

W.W.

View all posts by Wanjira Wachira

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