Gov’t to launch Mukogodo Forest Operation in 48 hours to restore peace

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will conduct a targeted security operation in Mukogodo Forest to flush out bandits and recover stolen livestock.

Speaking in Kurum area, Laikipia North, CS Murkomen said the operation is set to commence within 48 hours and will focus on disarming and apprehending criminals hiding in the forest.

He cautioned anyone living in the forest to vacate to avoid being affected.

On his part, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured residents that the operation would be meticulous and focused on restoring lasting peace, promising that communities would return to normal life once the exercise is complete.

The stern announcement by the government comes amid heightened tension in Doldol, Laikipia North, following a recent raid by armed bandits who allegedly made away with over 1,200 goats and 200 cows.

Herders said the attackers were believed to have come from neighbouring Isiolo County.

According to the Kenya Police, officers from Doldol a few day s fater the raid swiftly responded in Laikorok village, pursued the attackers, and laid an ambush at Seku area.

After a gun battle, the police overpowered the raiders and recovered 122 of the 130 stolen cows, with a manhunt ongoing in Mukogodo Forest.

The operation is part of a broader government security strategy across the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions.

CS Murkomen, accompanied by DIG – Administration Police Service (DIG-APS) Gilbert Masengeli, General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, and other senior officials, is conducting a multi-day security assessment in Isiolo, Laikipia, and surrounding counties.

The prolonged drought in pastoralist areas has heightened resource conflicts and cattle rustling, risking the gains made under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) and other security interventions.

During meetings in Isiolo with local leaders, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), and senior security officials, CS Murkomen outlined plans to reorganize security teams, open new security roads, and improve network coverage to enable faster response to threats.

The Isiolo security operation will target illegal firearms, ammunition, criminals, and their sponsors, building on earlier interventions in Kainuk, Turkana County, where disarmament drives are ongoing to curb banditry.

"We have made significant progress in restoring peace and normal life in many parts of the Kerio Valley region," CS Murkomen said. "But some areas still require intensified interventions to eradicate criminal elements."

He called on politicians to avoid inflammatory statements and urged residents to remain calm as security agencies intensify operations.

Political and security leaders present during the meetings included Governor Abdi Guyo, Deputy Governor James Lowasa, MPs Fatuma Dullo, Mumina Bonaya, Joseph Samal, MCAs led by Speaker Abdullahi Jaldesa, and senior police officials.

The government’s multi-county security initiative aims to strengthen rapid response capabilities, consolidate gains under OMU, and ensure communities in the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions live free from crime, banditry, and cattle rustling.