The Kenyan government has intensified its fight against banditry in the North Rift region by unveiling a new anti-banditry Command Centre in Kirimon, Laikipia County. The centre, launched as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu Two (OMU II), will coordinate security operations across Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and parts of Meru counties.
The Kirimon base is the second operational hub under OMU II, following the existing OMU I command in Chemolingot, Baringo County. Its strategic location enables a rapid response to banditry threats and ensures coordinated operations to curb livestock theft and violent attacks in the affected areas.
Speaking at the launch held at the Kirimon National Youth Service (NYS) Training Centre, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen outlined a two-pronged strategy: suppressing banditry while safeguarding the well-being of security officers.
Murkomen emphasized that the welfare of officers deployed in these high-risk areas will remain a priority. The multi-agency team spearheading OMU II comprises personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), National Police Reservists (NPRs), and Rangers.
“The goal of this operation is to restore peace and stability across Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, Meru, and parts of the North Rift, including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, and West Pokot counties,” Murkomen stated.
According to Murkomen, peace has been restored in many areas, allowing economic activities to resume. However, he acknowledged challenges in Mukokodo Forest, Samburu East, and Maralal, where security forces are conducting a one-off operation to flush out bandits.
“Children are returning to school, and locals are resuming their daily activities, except in a few disturbed areas that our security agencies are pacifying,” he noted.
The high-level security delegation at the event included Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, and other top security officials.
This latest move underscores the government’s commitment to ending banditry and ensuring long-term peace in the North Rift region.
