Deadly Meru Bandit Attack: Three Killed, Hundreds of Livestock Stolen
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Meru County has been hit by yet another deadly bandit attack, leaving three people dead and hundreds of livestock stolen in a wave of violence that has shaken residents and security agencies.
According to local authorities, two National Police Reservists (NPRs) and one herder were fatally shot in separate attacks carried out by armed bandits in different parts of the county. The attackers are believed to have been targeting grazing areas and villages near the Meru–Isiolo border.
How the Attack Unfolded
Witnesses say the bandits, armed with rifles, ambushed herders early in the morning, making away with large herds of cattle, goats, and sheep. The NPR officers, who responded to distress calls, were caught in an intense exchange of fire with the assailants.
By the time the fighting died down, hundreds of livestock had been driven away, leaving the affected communities devastated and fearfully
Residents Living in Fear
Locals say insecurity has been escalating in the region, with bandits frequently crossing into Meru to raid livestock and terrorize villages.
“We don’t sleep. Every week there is an attack. Our children are traumatised,”a resident told reporters.
Several communities have now started migrating to safer areas, fearing more attacks.
Security Response Underway
County security officials have confirmed the deployment of additional police officers and NPR reinforcements to pursue the attackers and recover stolen animals.A multi-agency operation has been launched, with leaders calling for coordinated action between Meru, Isiolo, and Samburu security teams.
Local leaders have condemned the killings and urged the national government to prioritize long-term solutions to banditry, including more patrols, better NPR support, and peaceful disarmament.
Growing Calls for Government Action
With livestock being the primary source of livelihood, residents say the persistent attacks are crippling the local economy and worsening poverty in pastoral communities.
Leaders from the region are now demanding:
Establishment of permanent security camps in hotspot areas
Strengthening of intelligence-gathering
Faster response times during attacksLong-term peace and reconciliation programs
Long-term peace and reconciliation programs
The tragic incident adds to a series of violent raids that have hit the upper eastern region in recent months, raising concerns about escalating bandit activity.
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