By Mwenda Njeru.
Fear and outrage have gripped residents of Kiamiramba in Tharaka North Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, after heavily armed bandits raided the area on Wednesday, stealing over 250 livestock.
The attackers, believed to be of Somali origin, drove the animals into Meru National Park, which borders Tharaka and Garissa counties.
According to eyewitnesses, the well-organized group struck overpowering local herders before making their way into the dense conservancy with the livestock.
The daring raid coincided with a high-level development consultative meeting in Nairobi, where Tharaka leaders, including area MP Gitonga Murugara, were meeting Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Upon receiving reports of the attack, Mr. Murugara immediately contacted Tharaka North Sub County Police Commander who, alongside local volunteers, launched a pursuit inside the national park.
The MP also reached out to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Dr. Douglas Kanga, requesting aerial surveillance using a KWS helicopter to track the stolen livestock and the bandits.
“The multi-agency security team should ensure that the criminals do not cross the park,” Mr. Murugara stated on Thursday morning, urging immediate intervention.
The MP condemned the attack, accusing Meru National Park authorities of allowing bandits and illegal herders to roam freely in the protected area while restricting Tharaka residents from even collecting firewood.
Despite years of government promises to deploy the Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit to the region, the lawmaker lamented the continued insecurity, which has seen frequent raids, murders, and abductions.
Many victims remain missing, leaving families in agony.
Residents now demand swift action to recover their stolen livestock and enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks.