Kithure Kindiki has responded sharply to criticism from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua over rising banditry in Meru County.
The exchange follows an ultimatum issued by Gachagua, who warned that he would mobilise residents in Meru North to arm themselves if the government fails to act within 10 days.
In a rebuttal, Kindiki accused Gachagua of neglecting the region during his time in office, arguing that he lacked the credibility to criticise the current administration.
“You offered no support despite the high office you held then, not even a visit to Meru North to show solidarity,” Kindiki said.
He further claimed that Gachagua failed to champion development projects or effectively address insecurity while in power.
Kindiki defended his own track record, noting that during his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary between 2022 and 2024, he led operations that helped suppress banditry in affected regions.
He said the current resurgence of attacks in Meru North is recent, with incidents over the past two weeks leading to loss of lives and livestock.
“The government will crush the criminals, as we did before,” he stated, adding that action would be taken as part of the government’s mandate to protect citizens.
The Deputy President revealed that a multi-agency security operation has already been deployed in the region, involving specialised police units supported by the Kenya Defence Forces.
He warned that the operation would use both ground and aerial support to dismantle bandit networks.
Meanwhile, Gachagua has maintained his criticism, accusing Kindiki of previously prioritising banditry operations in other regions over Meru.
Speaking during a church service, he argued that the government has failed to adequately respond to insecurity in the area and insisted that urgent action is needed.
He warned that if no action is taken, he would mobilise local communities to defend themselves and their livestock.
The ongoing exchange highlights growing political tensions between the two leaders, as they trade accusations over leadership, security, and development performance.
