Government to Deploy KDF and NIS in Four Counties to Tackle Insecurity
The government has announced plans to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, and Meru counties as part of intensified efforts to curb cattle rustling and banditry in the region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement while speaking during a security meeting in Isiolo on Tuesday, February 3.
He said the move follows direct instructions from President William Ruto and is aimed at restoring peace in areas that have suffered persistent insecurity for years.
Murkomen explained that the KDF and NIS will work closely with the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and other security agencies to flush out bandits and dismantle criminal networks operating in the affected counties.
According to him, the operation will be fully coordinated and intelligence-led to ensure long-term stability.
To support the security operations, the government plans to reopen several roads in Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia that were previously closed due to insecurity. Murkomen said access to these areas is critical for effective patrols and rapid response by security teams.
“Within the next few weeks, we are working with the Ministry of Roads to make sure some roads in Samburu, Isiolo, and Laikipia are reopened. This will allow security forces to access all operational areas easily,” Murkomen said.
He added that the operation will be multi-agency in nature and that President Ruto, as the Commander-in-Chief, has issued clear orders to ensure security is restored in Isiolo, Meru, and parts of Laikipia without delay.
Murkomen also issued a stern warning to police officers accused of enabling insecurity, either through negligence or by working with criminals. He revealed that security chiefs in the affected counties have been directed to identify and act against officers suspected of abetting banditry and cattle theft.
According to the Interior CS, the leadership of the National Police Service will track down such officers, subject them to disciplinary and legal processes, and dismiss them from the service if found guilty.
He further noted that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is already implementing changes on the ground by transferring officers who have overstayed in the same regions for too long. Murkomen said prolonged stays have led to compromised operations, as some officers have developed close ties with locals and criminals.
“There are officers who have stayed in these areas for too long. They have made friends and, in some cases, fear certain individuals. The IG will reorganize deployments and bring in fresh officers,” Murkomen said.
He also acknowledged weaknesses in police coordination in some areas, stating that laxity among certain officers has contributed to rising insecurity. Murkomen claimed that some officers rarely report to their stations, while others stand by as criminals steal livestock without taking action.
The latest deployment plan comes just two weeks after Murkomen announced that the government would also deploy KDF personnel to secure the construction of the 740-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road. The project has faced repeated disruptions due to insecurity along the route.
Speaking after a meeting with Defence Cabinet Secretary and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Tuesday, January 20, Murkomen said the presence of KDF would ensure contractors work without interference and help guarantee the timely completion of the strategic infrastructure project.
The government believes that combining security operations with infrastructure protection will help stabilize the region and support long-term economic development in northern Kenya.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
