Meru Residents Accuse Chief & Security Forces of Colluding With Bandits Over Stolen Cows

Frustrated residents of Tigania East in Meru County have accused local chiefs and security officers of colluding with cattle rustlers, claiming that the very people meant to protect them are aiding their tormentors. In a protest march to the local police command, community members said that in recent months nearly 3,000 head of cattle have been stolen, with little to no recovery, and that authorities appear more interested in negotiating with bandits than prosecuting them. Kenyans
One herder, Eliud Mwiria, said that when his cows were stolen there were false assurances from the administration. He explained that elders and the chief promised to bring back livestock, but only a handful of animals were ever returned — a drop in the ocean compared to the thousands lost. Kenyans Others in the community echo his sentiment, suggesting that deals are struck behind closed doors: When the cows are stolen … the chief brings back two cows, then is told the others will come, one resident said, adding that there is no effort to arrest suspects despite violent raids. Kenyans
The deep mistrust is compounded by the economic toll on families who rely on their livestock for livelihood. As one demonstrator put it, there is a strong demand for compensation, justice, and a more transparent security response. Kenyans Their grievances carry more weight after a recent security crackdown in the region: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has warned that any security personnel collaborating with criminals would not be quietly transferred but prosecuted. The Star
Looking ahead, Meru residents are calling for renewed commitment from the government to end systemic collusion. They insist on independent investigations into allegations of insider deals with rustlers, higher transparency in livestock returns, and better resourcing of anti-stock-theft units. Only through accountability, they argue, can trust be rebuilt, and their cattle—and peace—restored.