Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending banditry in affected areas. He made the statement at a funds drive event in Nandi Hills Stadium for the purchase of a bus and construction of an office block for the Nandi Hills/Tinderet Branch of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. Murkomen emphasized the government's resolve to ensure all Kenyans live peacefully, regardless of their locality.
Banditry has long been a threat in regions such as Kerio Valley, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, and Laikipia. Murkomen warned those yet to hand over illegal firearms, stating the government would continue to confiscate them. He directed security agencies to exercise caution during operations to minimize collateral damage, assuring that the government will not relent until banditry is eradicated. The CS reported that 3,000 illegal guns and 8,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered in the past one and a half years.
Murkomen noted that residents in affected areas have returned to cultivating their farms due to prevailing peace. Security agents are working to recover stolen livestock and illegal firearms, dismantling criminal networks to restore peace. The CS disclosed that operations in Isiolo and Samburu are being intensified to recover all illegal firearms. The government aims to tighten security measures to ensure civilians live in peace.
In addition to addressing banditry, Murkomen instructed National Government Administrative Officers to scale up the fight against drug and substance abuse. He stressed its negative impact on consumers, particularly the young generation. The CS emphasized strengthening enforcement efforts by security agencies, including Chiefs and Sub-chiefs, to disrupt and destabilize the supply network of illicit brews.
Murkomen called on chiefs, sub-chiefs, and Nyumba Kumi to collaborate with the police to combat illegal drugs. He urged the community to provide necessary information to ensure producers and sellers of illicit brews face the law. The CS highlighted the harm caused by illicit brews, especially to youths, and encouraged the community to eradicate them by giving information to relevant authorities.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Members of Parliament Julius Melly and Benard Kitur, Nandi County Women Representative Cynthia Muge, Members of Nandi County Assembly, KNUT National Executive Secretary Collins Oyuu, and Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo. The gathering demonstrated the government's and local leaders' commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting the region.
The government's efforts to combat banditry and illicit brews aim to restore peace and security in affected areas. With the recovery of thousands of illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition, residents are slowly returning to their normal lives. The CS's directives and calls for collaboration between security agencies and the community are expected to further enhance these efforts and ensure a safer Kenya.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has recovered 3,000 illegal guns and 8,000 rounds of ammunition in the past one and a half years.
- CS Murkomen has directed security agencies to exercise maximum caution during operations to minimize collateral damage.
- The government is intensifying operations in Isiolo and Samburu to recover all illegal firearms and restore peace.
