Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that marginalization and poor development are major contributors to banditry in northern Kenya. He made these remarks during an appearance before the National Assembly's Internal Security and National Administration Committee on October 7, 2026. The discussion focused on the security situation in Samburu County. Murkomen emphasized that banditry in several counties, including Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, and West Pokot, is closely linked to economic factors and a lack of basic infrastructure.
Murkomen highlighted that areas prone to banditry share common characteristics, such as a lack of roads, network coverage, schools, and police stations. He stressed that accessibility and development are crucial in addressing the issue of banditry sustainably. The CS noted that security operations alone would not end banditry unless the underlying causes were addressed. He emphasized the need for proper road networks, communication networks, schools, and water infrastructure in these areas.
The CS also criticized poor coordination between security agencies and communities for the persistence of banditry. He mentioned that some political leaders have exacerbated tensions between communities. Murkomen cited cases where leaders have distributed ammunition to their residents, portraying themselves as heroes defending their communities. He urged the committee chairperson, Gabriel Togoyo, to be cautious of actions that could worsen inter-community relations.
The government has been using intelligence-led operations under Operation Maliza Uhalifu to combat banditry and cattle rustling. Between June and September 2026, security agencies recovered 3,221 livestock out of 4,306 reported stolen from Meru and Isiolo counties. Security camps have been established in Magado and Lii training camps in Meru to create a buffer against banditry and cattle rustling. Specialized units, including the General Service Unit and Anti-Stock Theft Unit, have been deployed in the affected region.
According to Murkomen, police recovered 2,395 illegal firearms between September 2025 and September 2026 during disarmament operations in bandit-prone areas. The government has improved mobility, surveillance, and communication systems for officers deployed in the affected areas. Some of the 10,000 recently graduated police officers have been deployed to bandit-prone areas to strengthen understaffed units.
Murkomen reported that between June and September 2026, banditry-related attacks resulted in 14 deaths and 17 injuries. He also mentioned that he has given a policy direction for the Inspector General of Police to train all 7,000 National Police Reservists again. The goal is to enhance their skills and equip them to effectively address banditry.
The Interior CS emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address banditry. He encouraged the committee to allocate funds to build security roads and improve infrastructure in bandit-prone areas. By addressing the root causes of banditry and improving security operations, the government aims to reduce the prevalence of banditry in northern Kenya.
Key points
- Kenyan Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen attributes banditry to marginalization and lack of development
- The government has recovered 3,221 livestock and 2,395 illegal firearms in recent operations
- Murkomen urges committee to allocate funds to build security roads and improve infrastructure
