A group of leaders from Meru has criticized the government for its perceived lack of action in response to the rising insecurity in the region.
During a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, the leaders, spearheaded by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, expressed their demand for tangible government intervention.
Rindikiri emphasized the need for security forces to visit Meru County to understand the local situation and the hardships faced by its residents.
He stressed that the community requires protection and urged the government to take decisive measures.
“Every day, the government claims it will take action, and we, as members of Parliament, believe this is the moment for the government to fulfill its duty by safeguarding the people of Meru,” stated the Buuri MP.
He further declared that Meru leaders would no longer participate in government-sanctioned security meetings regarding the county’s issues.
Rindikiri articulated that their primary demands as leaders include the arrest of offenders, the surrender of illegal firearms, and the return of stolen livestock.
“We are done with empty promises; we want the government to clarify whether they will support us or not.
“We will not attend any more security meetings. Our focus is on seeing arrests made, firearms returned, and our cattle brought back. They can hold their meetings elsewhere,” he added.
Meru has long faced security issues, including banditry and cattle rustling, which have sometimes resulted in fatalities.
According to the leaders, these acts are perpetrated by individuals from neighboring counties, such as Laikipia and Samburu.
Despite several security meetings aimed at alleviating tensions between the affected regions, progress has been minimal.
Last year, the government pledged to send additional police reservists to enhance security in the troubled areas.
