A heated debate has erupted between Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kithure Murkomen, and Members of Parliament over the causes of banditry in Samburu. Murkomen appeared before the National Assembly's Committee on Administration and National Security, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, where he argued that historical state neglect has created fertile ground for banditry. He cited poor infrastructure, inadequate schools, lack of water, weak communication networks, and limited access to government services as factors that have enabled criminals to operate with ease.
Murkomen emphasized that marginalisation is the common denominator in areas plagued by banditry, citing Samburu and Baringo as examples where there are no roads, no network, and no schools. He warned that deploying security officers without tackling the underlying socio-economic problems would only offer a temporary reprieve. According to Murkomen, communities fighting each other are themselves victims of decades of neglect. He stated that accessibility and underdevelopment are the greatest contributors to banditry.
However, MPs from Meru rejected Murkomen's argument, warning that marginalisation cannot be used to justify the killing of innocent people. Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri said that the debate over livestock should not overshadow the loss of human lives, and that Meru residents are more concerned about compensation for families whose property and livelihoods have been destroyed. Rindikiri emphasized that people have suffered, been killed, and left homeless, and that the focus should be on compensation rather than marginalisation.
Other MPs, including Tigania West MP John Kanyuithia and Igembe North MP Julius Taitum, also challenged Murkomen's argument. Kanyuithia questioned how marginalisation could be blamed for banditry while accusing security agencies of failing to act against political and community leaders allegedly backing the criminals. Taitum pointed to North Eastern, another historically marginalised region, and asked why it had not experienced banditry on the same scale. Both MPs expressed support for the security operation targeting bandits.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda and Samburu Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris defended the importance of livestock to their community, arguing that insecurity and development cannot coexist. Lesuuda stated that if people can kill, then there can never be development. Lenguris emphasized that livestock remains the backbone of many families in the region and deserves protection. She argued that as the voice of the livestock, they must be protected.
Murkomen also ruled out compensation for families who have lost livestock and property during the attacks, citing a lack of legal framework for such payments. He explained that the state's responsibility is to protect life and property, investigate crimes, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. According to Murkomen, 14 people have been killed and 17 injured in banditry-related incidents across the affected region between June and September 2026.
The clash between Murkomen and MPs highlights the complexities of addressing banditry in Samburu and the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. While Murkomen's argument highlights the need for development and infrastructure, MPs are concerned about the immediate needs of affected communities, including compensation for losses. The debate underscores the challenges of balancing security and development in addressing banditry.
Key points
- Murkomen argues that historical marginalisation is the root cause of banditry in Samburu.
- MPs from Meru reject Murkomen's argument, emphasizing the need for compensation for affected families.
- The government has no legal framework for compensating families who have lost livestock and property during banditry attacks.