The national government has pledged stronger measures to safeguard lives and property in Meru following a recent wave of unrest and criminal activity. Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma made the assurance during the two-day People’s Dialogue Festival held at the Meru National Polytechnic, where he condemned the looting and destruction witnessed in the county. Ouma stressed that while the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, security agencies will not allow criminals to exploit protests to commit theft, vandalism, or violence.
His remarks were prompted by incidents linked to the Saba Saba demonstrations, including the torching of a supermarket in Makutano that left traders counting heavy losses. The commissioner maintained that investigations were underway to identify and arrest those behind the incident, adding that perpetrators would face full legal consequences. He emphasized that the government would treat all offenders equally, saying there would be no sacred cows in ensuring justice for affected businesses and residents. Ouma also reaffirmed the critical role of security officers in maintaining law and order, noting that their mandate extends to preventing chaos and protecting economic activities from disruption.
The government’s tough stance has drawn support from local leaders and community members who have expressed concern about the rising cases of opportunistic crime during national protests. Many residents hope the renewed security commitment will restore calm and deter further destruction, especially as Meru continues to rebuild trust between youth and authorities. Looking ahead, stakeholders say sustained dialogue, better intelligence gathering, and closer community engagement will be essential in preventing future unrest and strengthening public confidence in state institutions.