CS Soipan Tuya Announces KDF Deployment to Fight Banditry in Laikipia
The government has confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will be deployed to help deal with the growing cases of banditry in Mukogodo Forest, located in Laikipia County.
This move comes as part of renewed efforts to restore peace and security in areas that have been facing frequent attacks by armed groups and cattle rustlers.
Speaking on Friday during the Laikipia North Women Empowerment Forum held in Il Polei, Laikipia North, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya reassured residents that the government is taking the matter seriously.
She emphasized that the military is well-prepared and ready to support ongoing operations aimed at flushing out bandits and protecting local communities that have been living in fear.
Tuya further announced that the government has set aside Ksh1 million to support the opening and rehabilitation of road networks in the affected areas.
According to her, improving road access will make it easier for security teams, including multi-agency units, to reach remote regions quickly while pursuing criminals involved in cattle rustling and other violent activities.
Better roads are also expected to enhance coordination among security officers and improve response time during emergencies.
Her remarks come shortly after several leaders raised concerns over delays in deploying KDF personnel to a temporary security camp in Doldol, also within Laikipia County.
Lawmakers had questioned why the military had not yet been fully deployed despite the rising insecurity, which has left many residents exposed to attacks.
At the same time, concerns have been raised by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights regarding the conduct of recent security operations in other parts of the country.
The commission reported that during an operation carried out on January 26, 2026, in Silale, Baringo County, there were serious cases of destruction.
According to the rights group, more than 70 cattle, 10 camels, and 50 goats were killed, leaving many families without their main sources of livelihood.
KNCHR noted that the operation caused widespread damage to property and raised serious human rights concerns.
The commission argued that the actions taken during the crackdown were excessive and disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, who were already struggling due to the insecurity in the region.
Additionally, the commission warned that the use of force in these operations has had unintended consequences on local communities.
In areas such as Silale, Riongo, Nginyang, and Naudo, residents have reportedly been displaced from their homes, while essential services like marketplaces and water points have been shut down.
There have also been reports of harassment targeting local administrators, including chiefs and their assistants, further complicating efforts to maintain order at the grassroots level.
As the government moves forward with the deployment of KDF in Laikipia, the situation highlights the delicate balance between restoring security and protecting the rights and livelihoods of affected communities.
Residents are now watching closely, hoping that the new measures will bring lasting peace without causing further hardship.
Join Kenya Govt Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
