“This year, there is no escape route for criminals. The fire we have lit on them is just a warm up. We must completely dismantle the entire infrastructure of banditry and livestock theft. Soon, the first batch of modern equipment for our security officers will be in the country.”

During the tour, the Interior Ministry chief witnessed the return of stolen but recovered camels from bandits at Mulango Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Camp in Isiolo County. 

CS Kindiki stated that the tactics used to combat organised crime will be similar to those used by the government in Kenya's North Rift, which has long been plagued by banditry. 

In no uncertain terms, CS Kindiki told those he accused of using cattle rustling as a front to carry out organised crime that the end is near.  

“Wale watu wanashughulika na mambo ya wizi wa mifugo sio watu hivi hivi. Hii ni organised crime. Sio ile maneno ya zamani ya kutafuta ati ng'ombe ya kulipia mahari,” CS Kindiki said. 

“It is purely organised crime kwa sababu ndani yake kuna wale wananunua bunduki na risasi, kuna wale wanapanga uvamizi, kuna wale wananunua mifugo imeibiwa, kuna wale wa kusafirisha. To all of them, nawaambia it is the end of the road for beneficiaries and benefactors of this organised criminal enterprise.'"

CS Kindiki also gave Eastern and Rift Valley Regional commissioners seven days to wrap up the operation's outstanding issues.

“The two of you must supervise the operation personally. Operation ni lazima. I want positive engagement between the political leaders, members of the public and security officers,” He added. 

“As the Operation continues, I want to see daily updates on the number of livestock that was stolen that has been recovered…’”

During the same tour, CS Kindi warned chiefs and their assistants that anyone found aiding and abetting banditry would face the full wrath of the law and be fired.  

“Once again, I have told the National Government Administration Officers, that if cattle rustlers are hiding in your jurisdiction and harbouring stolen livestock in your area, you will have to make a choice; you either surrender the Government crown you hold or do your work,” he added. 

Similarly, he stated that those who show extraordinary bravery and risk their lives to ensure banditry threats are neutralised and stolen livestock is recovered will be rewarded. 

“Government officers who will do a good job, I can assure you that we will reward you, promote you and give you state honours, so that your efforts count for something,” CS Kindiki added. 

According to CS Kindiki, the government will soon release a list of disturbed and dangerous areas in Isiolo, Samburu, and Meru.

He stated that only specific regions would be included on the list, and that no one would be victimised as a result of the operations. 

“I must clarify that it is not the entire Isiolo, Marsabit and Meru Counties that will be declared disturbed and dangerous, CS Kindiki said. 

“We will gazette specific parts of these counties so that the operation is effective and achieve its desired results. No innocent person will be victimised or affected.” 

To close the 'loophole the bandits use,' CS Kindiki stated that National Police Reservists (NPRs) who begin training on January 31 will be deployed shortly after graduation. 

“We will use these young men to help seal off all the loopholes that bandits have been using for years as escape routes after terrorising innocent people and getting away with their animals, therefore impoverishing economically,” he said.