By Nancy Kinoti
Leaders from the Democratic Change Party (DCP) in Meru County, led by the National Organizing Secretary Mithika Linturi, have filed a constitutional petition to deal with the rising cases of banditry and cattle rustling in the area.
The leaders claim that the situation in Meru is alarming, with thousands of people killed over the last few years. They claim that the situation has been worsened by the fact that livestock have been stolen from the area. The leaders claim that the situation is a result of the failure of the state to protect its citizens. The leaders cited the visit by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration officials to the area as an example of the failures of the state. During the visit, the bandits attacked the area the same day, killing the residents and stealing the livestock.
“This is a continuous injustice that cannot be ignored any longer. It is a direct response to the suffering of the people of Meru.”
The petition is seeking redress from the courts, including a ruling that human rights have been violated, compensation for affected families, and a court order for the government to step up its operations in the region.
The DCP officials have started collecting signatures from affected people and victims of banditry and cattle rustling within Meru County to support the petition. Linturi is calling on every affected person and family within Meru County to come forward and fill out the petition forms to have their grievances addressed.
In addition, the leaders have announced that they will hold a demonstration for four days within all affected sub-counties within Meru County after they have filed the petition.
