We'll deploy 140 additional police reservists in Meru - Kindiki

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said that there are  140 additional National Police Reservists (NPR) to be deployed in Meru North, to supplement police efforts to tackle livestock rustling.

The CS said cattle rustling has remained a challenge in Meru North, threatening the livelihood of people.

This, the CS said, has been linked to the reports of repeated livestock theft perpetuated by armed criminals during the past month.

As a result, the CS said the government on Monday announced it has enhanced security by setting up more security camps of the Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the General Service Unit (GSU) special forces in the area.

"We are hoping to set up more camps in the coming days but will not disclose the names for safety reasons," the CS said.

"The training starts tomorrow (Tuesday) and will graduate in December. They will support the work of the regular police and special forces deployed in the region."

The CS was speaking after holding a security strategy meeting with members of the Eastern Regional Security and Intelligence Committee, Meru County and Mutuati Sub-county Security and Intelligence teams and the local commanders of ASTU, GSU and other security formations.

Going further, the  CS stated that more administrative camps will be set up in the region to support the world currently being done by the regional and county security teams.

The CS also revealed that the ministry has managed to seal off passages used by bandits to go through in the region.

"The Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to eradicating banditry and livestock rustling. There is no two way about it because we must succeed in the fight," Kindiki stated.

In addition, the CS appealed to members of the public to support the police officers in secluding bandits and criminals.

Kindiki urged Kenyans to cooperate with security agencies and national government administrators to provide intelligence on the criminals.

The CS once again warned politicians to keep off the war against banditry.

"Security operations must be depoliticised, and any leader, their political persuasion or influence notwithstanding, who incites, finances or plans banditry and livestock rustling will be apprehended and prosecuted," Kindiki added.

He stated that the government will stand with police who lawfully use weapons to defend Kenyans.

Kindiki said the government has, as a priority, the mandate to curb insecurity and put criminals behind bars.

"Security officers are instructed to use the firearms they hold to lawfully protect citizens and their property. Armed criminals daring security agencies will be dealt with ruthlessly,” he said.

"The government will defend security officers who lawfully use weapons assigned to them to protect the lives and property of our citizens.”