Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared that chiefs and assistant chiefs aiding bandits will face interdiction starting January 1, 2023. Speaking during an assessment of the security situation in Laikipia county, Kindiki stated that he possesses a list of administrators involved in facilitating livestock theft.
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to banditry, Kindiki noted that the ministry would soon offer bounties for the planners and commanders of bandits. He outlined plans to reward citizens and security officers who assist in apprehending these criminals.
Comparing the fight against banditry to counter-terrorism measures, Kindiki stressed the equivalence between bandits and terrorists, along with their financiers, enablers, beneficiaries, and benefactors.
Addressing security officers, Kindiki encouraged the use of weapons for self-defense and protection of civilians against armed criminals. He warned against allowing armed criminals to prevail and assured government support, with a caution against misuse of firearms by officers.
Kindiki urged security officers not to be influenced by politicians who politicize banditry, emphasizing a commitment to separating politics from security operations. He called for the rejection of operational commands or instructions from political leaders, asserting that any political figure aiding activities hampering national security should face legal consequences.
