Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that despite improvements, banditry, cattle rustling, and illegal firearms continue to pose significant threats to lives and livelihoods in Samburu, Isiolo, and Meru counties. He made these remarks while addressing the Committee on Administration and Internal Security. Murkomen highlighted that the situation has improved over previous years but remains a concern.
Murkomen identified several factors driving insecurity in the region, including cattle rustling, cross-county livestock movement, and illegal firearms. He also cited retaliatory attacks, climate-induced migration, and competition for pasture and water as contributing factors. Additionally, long-standing county boundary disputes, unregulated livestock trade, and cultural practices that encourage banditry have been identified as key drivers of insecurity.
The Interior CS noted that infrastructure deficits, such as poor road networks, limited water supply, and weak communication links, exacerbate the security situation. Inadequate education facilities also hinder efforts to address the root causes of insecurity. Furthermore, strained relations between communities and security agencies, marked by intimidation, misinformation, and mistrust, hinder effective response and resolution of security challenges.
Security forces have made significant recoveries, including 3,221 of 4,306 reported stolen livestock between June and September 2026. They have also seized 2,395 illegal firearms in targeted disarmament operations from September 2025 to September 2026. The deployments include specialized units such as the General Service Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, and Special Operations Group.
The region has recorded 14 deaths and 17 injuries between June and September 2026. A notable incident occurred on September 16, when bandits ambushed and killed five people, including two police officers, a reservist, and two civilians. The bandits also seized government stores containing firearms and ammunition. A reinforcement team was dispatched to secure the scene and recover the stolen items.
In addition to security operations, Murkomen emphasized the importance of peace-building initiatives involving elders, religious leaders, elected officials, youth, and women’s groups. He noted that force alone cannot resolve inter-community conflict and called for continued dialogue to resolve disputes before they erupt into violence. Programmes that provide alternative livelihoods are also crucial in deterring youth recruitment into cattle-rustling groups.
Murkomen acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by security agencies, including vast county sizes, difficult terrain, poor communication, inadequate roads, and limited personnel and equipment. These challenges constrain sustained security coverage, making it difficult to effectively address the security situation. The cabinet secretary urged for sustained efforts to address these challenges and ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Key points
- Security forces have recovered 3,221 stolen livestock and seized 2,395 illegal firearms in targeted disarmament operations.
- The region recorded 14 deaths and 17 injuries between June and September 2026.
- Peace-building initiatives and alternative livelihoods programmes are being implemented to complement security operations.
