The government has ordered all non-residents residing within Laikipia County in the security operation area to leave.
In a statement, Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang'i said the move is aimed at enhancing the security operation in the area.
He stated that more special forces officers have been deployed in the area to flush out bandits who are still hiding there.
"Despite efforts to enforce peace and stability in Laikipia, hardcore bandits continue to take advantage of the prevailing drought situation in neighbouring counties to commit criminal incursions,” said Matiang'i.
He added that despite heavy police presence in the region, bandits have continued their criminal activities, including the government's push to return normalcy in the area.
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Matiang'i added that this has led to loss of innocent lives and destruction of property in Laikipia hence the need for additional officers with specialised equipment.
[Interior CS Fred Matiang'i]
“Unfortunately, innocent lives have been lost and many others injured in attacks that have also occasioned the destruction of private property and loss of livestock," said the CS.
The directive comes amid an ongoing security operation to root bandits from the ranches in Laikipia.
Early September, the government deployed a multi-agency team comprising of the National Police Reservists, the Rapid Deployment Unit, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, the General Service Unit (GSU), and the Administration Police, to weed out the bandits from the area.
