Kinoti Marete backs Samburu security operation, rallies Meru aspirants to PPK
Meru gubernatorial aspirant Kinoti Marete Jr Adresses the press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Meru gubernatorial hopeful calls for compensation for livestock theft victims and urges equal application of the law
By Brian Gitonga
Meru gubernatorial aspirant Kinoti Marete Jr has thrown his weight behind the ongoing security operation in Samburu County, arguing that sustained action against cattle rustling is essential to protect livestock keepers in Meru’s northern grazing areas.
Marete said residents who have repeatedly lost animals to raiders have suffered serious economic harm and deserve equal consideration alongside concerns being raised about the operation’s impact. He urged security agencies to pursue suspects regardless of their community or county of origin.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kinoru, Meru County, Marete alleged that some Samburu residents had benefited from livestock stolen from neighbouring communities, and insisted the operation must continue.
“When we have been crying as Meru residents, some people in Samburu have been clapping because they have been benefiting from stolen animals,” Marete said.
The operation has drawn concern from some Samburu leaders and residents over its effects on civilians and livestock. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended it publicly but directed security officers to exercise caution and minimise harm to non-combatants and animals.
Marete said livestock keeping remains the primary source of livelihood in Meru’s northern grazing zones, where unreliable rainfall makes crop production difficult. He argued that persistent cattle theft had pushed already vulnerable families deeper into poverty.
“The government should continue with this operation because our people in Meru have become poor. In some of these areas, there is little else they can do apart from keeping livestock because there is not enough rain to grow crops,” he said.
Marete praised Murkomen’s handling of the security situation, saying his assessment of the Interior ministry had shifted positively in light of the current measures. He called for the law to be applied equally regardless of a suspect’s social standing or place of origin, arguing that consistent enforcement would help restore trust among affected communities.
“We are telling Murkomen to continue with the operation so that we can bring cattle theft to an end. Even if a suspect comes from Meru, action should be taken against them,” Marete said.
He also called on the national government to establish a formal compensation framework for livestock owners who have lost animals to rustling. Marete urged authorities to begin documenting affected farmers and the scale of their losses, saying compensation would help families rebuild livelihoods after years of hardship.
“There is a huge need for the government to compensate those who have lost their animals. There should be an exercise to establish the livestock that has been lost so that affected farmers can be considered for compensation,” he said.
Marete also used the briefing to outline his political plans under the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), on whose ticket he intends to contest the Meru gubernatorial seat at the 2027 General Election. The party is led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
He said PPK plans to open a county office in Meru as it expands its structures and recruits members and aspirants ahead of the polls. Marete dismissed claims from political rivals that Nyoro and PPK were being deployed to divide the Mt Kenya vote, saying the party should be judged on its policies and proposals for the region rather than on political rhetoric.
Despite expressing support for Nyoro’s broader agenda, Marete said he expects the PPK leader to engage Meru residents directly and account for how his political plans would address the county’s specific challenges.
“I have told our people in Meru that we will not follow any presidential candidate without knowing how Meru residents will benefit. Whether it is Matiang’i or Ndindi Nyoro, they will have to come to Meru and speak to the people,” Marete said.
He closed by inviting those eyeing elective positions in Meru to consider joining PPK, saying the planned county office would serve as a base for recruitment and coordination ahead of the election.
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