Kenyan Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending banditry in parts of the country affected by persistent insecurity. He stated that banditry had remained a major threat in areas including the Kerio Valley, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, and Laikipia, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of residents. The government aims to fully secure these areas, allowing Kenyans to live peacefully.
Murkomen made these remarks at Nandi Hills Stadium during a fundraising drive to purchase a bus and construct an office block for the Nandi Hills/Tinderet branch of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. He warned individuals still holding illegal firearms to surrender them, as security agencies would continue operations to recover weapons used by criminal groups. The government has recovered approximately 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition from banditry-prone areas over the past one and a half years.
The government plans to confiscate all illegal firearms to prevent the deaths of innocent Kenyans and livestock. Murkomen directed security agencies to exercise maximum caution during operations to minimize collateral harm. He emphasized that the government would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to banditry. Residents in some affected areas have already returned to farming following improvements in security.
Security agencies are working to recover stolen livestock, confiscate illegal firearms, and dismantle criminal networks. Murkomen stated that operations in Isiolo and Samburu would intensify to recover all illegal firearms. The government aims to ensure that all civilians live in peace. He also directed National Government Administrative Officers to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse, particularly the production and sale of illicit alcohol.
Murkomen emphasized that illicit brews are harming young people and called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities. Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs are well-positioned to identify individuals involved in producing illicit brews and can help security agencies disrupt supply networks. He urged Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and Nyumba Kumi structures to work closely with the police and share information on producers and sellers of illegal alcohol.
Community cooperation is essential in identifying those involved in the illegal trade and ensuring they face the law. Murkomen encouraged the community to be at the forefront of eradicating harmful brews by providing information to relevant authorities. The event at Nandi Hills Stadium was attended by several leaders, including Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Nandi Hills MP Benard Kitur, and Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Muge.
The government's efforts to end banditry and recover illegal firearms have shown progress, with 3,000 guns recovered so far. Key initiatives include intensifying operations in banditry-prone areas, dismantling criminal networks, and promoting community cooperation to eradicate illicit brews. The government remains committed to ensuring peace and security for all Kenyans.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has recovered approximately 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition from banditry-prone areas over the past one and a half years.
- The government aims to fully secure areas affected by banditry, allowing Kenyans to live peacefully.
- Murkomen directed security agencies to exercise maximum caution during operations to minimize collateral harm.
