Nairobi — Interior cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered a probe into the killing of George Kaliunga, the former Member of County Assembly of Antubetwe Kiongo Ward, Meru County following a banditry incident on Sunday.

The ward representative lost his life to armed criminals who had executed a livestock theft raid early morning last Sunday.

Kindiki made the announcement Tuesday when he condoled with the family and friends of the late former ward representative.

The CS said that investigating team will be tasked with identifying his killers and recover stolen livestock.

"George Kaliunga the former MCA did not die accidentally. It clearly looks like there was a plan to eliminate him. I assure you that his killers will be apprehended and prosecuted," he said.

Reports indicate that the MCA was allegedly killed by bandits believed to be from neighboring Isiolo county as he went after his stolen livestock.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Maua Hospital on Sunday evening after he was shot in the chest.

The former ward representative had accompanied police officers who went after his stolen livestock.

He was reportedly shot at Kinna, Isiolo county when they were caught in an ambush by the suspected bandits.

To tame the wave of cattle rustling between Meru and Isiolo Counties, CS Kindiki ordered immediate deployment of Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in the area.

Kindiki, who was addressing a security public baraza at Ndoleli Chief's Camp in Igembe North Constituency, Meru County, also declared the Meru North region a security operation zone, similar to the North Rift where a multi-agency team is waging a war against banditry.

"I am ordering Meru County Commissioner and his Tharaka Nithi counterpart to meet today and immediately come up with a plan to resolve border and land disputes between residents in the two counties. You must submit a comprehensive plan by tomorrow (Wednesday)," Kindiki said.