The national government has intensified efforts to end persistent banditry in the northern grazing zone following the establishment of a National Government Administration Police (NGAP) tactical training college in Rikithathia area, Mutuati, Igembe North Constituency.
The facility, which has already received its first batch of trainees, is expected to serve as a permanent security buffer zone in a region long plagued by cattle rustling and insecurity.
Senior Assistant Inspector General and NGAP Commandant Isaac Alimaa said the camp will remain operational even after the current recruits complete their training, assuring residents of sustained security presence.
“This camp is here to stay. Its presence will enhance security and restore confidence among residents,” said Alimaa, who also thanked the Meru County Government for its support, including provision of water.
He noted that beyond security, the camp will boost the local economy through job creation and supply opportunities for surrounding communities.
The training facility is expected to host up to 5,000 trainees, with about 1,500 already on the ground and more expected to report in phases.
Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, who hosted NGAP and other security officials at Rikithathia, said the establishment of the camp will play a key role in tackling cattle rustling and stabilizing the region.
The legislator urged that supplies such as food, petroleum products, and labour be sourced locally to ensure residents benefit directly from the project.
He also pledged support towards construction of an administration block and an armory to strengthen the facility’s operations.
Local leaders described the project as historic, attributing its success to unity and cooperation among leaders and the community.
County government representative Jacob Mantili said the presence of the camp demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting residents and restoring normalcy in the region.
He also thanked residents of Amwathi for donating land for the project.
Residents narrated the heavy toll of insecurity, noting that many herders had fled with their livestock to areas such as Ndoleli following repeated bandit attacks.
“There are no cows or goats left here. People had to move to protect their livestock,” said Kobia Mutia, a resident of Kasiuru in Mutuati Sub- County.
Security operations have since been reinforced, with additional officers, vehicles, and a Recce Unit deployed in Ndumuru to strengthen surveillance and response.
An elder from the area Isaiah Baituti said unity of purpose among stakeholders had made the project possible, terming it a national investment that will transform the region.
Instructors at the facility, led by Chief Instructor Jacob Kemboi, expressed confidence that the presence of the college will deter crime and restore peace.
Njuri Ncheke elder Daktari Thiakunu said cases of theft and banditry are expected to reduce significantly with the establishment of the camp.
Residents have also called on the government to facilitate the safe return of livestock that had been driven away by bandits, expressing optimism that improved security will pave the way for economic recovery.
The NGAP training college is expected to spur development in Igembe North, with leaders projecting growth in business activities and improved social amenities such as schools and healthcare facilities driven by the presence of the camp.
by Kamanja Maeria
