Residents Ordered to Vacate Mukogodo Forest Ahead of Anti-Banditry Operation

Residents living within Mukogodo Forest have been given a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the area to pave the way for a major security operation targeting bandits accused of livestock theft.

The directive was issued by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, who warned that anyone found inside the forest after the deadline will be treated as a suspect.

“Anyone who will be found in the forest after the expiry of the notice will be deemed a cattle rustler and dealt with accordingly,” said Dr. Hassan.

Security Operation Intensifies

The planned operation follows a directive issued last month by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, authorizing a multi-agency crackdown on banditry in the region.

According to the Regional Commissioner, security personnel have already made significant progress, restoring calm in most parts of Laikipia North. However, authorities believe that remaining bandits are hiding deep within the forest, necessitating a more aggressive approach.

“We still need to go further and flush out the remaining remnants hiding within the forest,” he said.

Livestock and Weapons Recovered

Security agencies involved in the operation have so far recovered 633 stolen livestock, which have been returned to their rightful owners. This is part of the 1,300 animals reported stolen in recent raids.

In addition, authorities have seized 10 firearms and 17 rounds of ammunition, underscoring the scale of illegal вооружament in the region.

Call to Protect Civilians

Dr. Hassan said the evacuation order is intended to protect civilians as security forces move into the forest. He noted that the presence of homes, schools, and health facilities within the area complicates operations.

“The reason for the vacation order is to allow our security agencies to carry out the operation without risking civilian lives, since bandits are hiding among communities,” he explained.

Residents have also been urged to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activity. Those in possession of illegal firearms have been asked to surrender them before the deadline or face forceful disarmament.

Wider Regional Crackdown

The operation is part of a broader government effort targeting banditry across northern Kenya, including neighbouring counties such as Isiolo County, Samburu County, and Meru County.

Interior CS Murkomen previously announced that the government is committed to ending cattle rustling, which has long plagued pastoralist communities in the region.

“I want to tell everybody that banditry will be a thing of the past in this country. The government has a mission to end cattle rustling once and for all,” Dr. Hassan said.

Longstanding Challenge

Laikipia County has repeatedly experienced cattle rustling incidents, often linked to cross-border incursions by armed groups from neighbouring regions. Local leaders and residents have in recent months raised alarm over increasing insecurity, describing parts of the area as a haven for bandits.

The latest directive signals a renewed push by the government to reclaim control, restore security, and protect livelihoods in one of Kenya’s most affected regions.