Kenyan Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that the government is dedicated to eradicating banditry in affected areas across the country. He expressed regret that banditry has long been a threat in regions such as Kerio Valley, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, and Laikipia. Murkomen emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that banditry comes to a complete end, allowing all Kenyans to live in peace regardless of their location.
Murkomen made these remarks at Nandi Hills Stadium during a fundraising event for the Nandi Hills/Tinderet Branch of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). The event involved a drive to purchase a bus and construct an office block. He also warned individuals who have yet to surrender their illegal firearms that the government will continue to confiscate these weapons. Murkomen directed security agencies to exercise caution during operations to minimize collateral damage.
The government has made significant progress in recovering illegal firearms, with approximately 3,000 guns and 8,000 rounds of ammunition retrieved from banditry-prone areas over the past year and a half. Murkomen stated that the government will continue to work tirelessly until all illegal firearms are confiscated, aiming to prevent further deaths of innocent Kenyans and livestock.
According to Murkomen, residents in affected areas have begun to cultivate their farms again due to the prevailing peace. Security agents are working around the clock to recover stolen livestock and illegal firearms, as well as dismantle criminal networks to restore peace. The government is intensifying operations in Isiolo and Samburu to recover all illegal firearms and tighten security.
In addition to addressing banditry, Murkomen instructed National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to scale up the fight against drug and substance abuse. He highlighted the negative impact of illicit brews on consumers, particularly the young generation. Murkomen stressed the need for strengthened 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 in combating illegal drugs. He urged the community to provide necessary information to relevant authorities to ensure that producers and sellers of illicit brews face the full force of the law. The community's involvement is crucial in eradicating harmful brews, which are detrimental to the health of young people.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Members of Parliament Julius Melly and Benard Kitur, Nandi County Women Representative Cynthia Muge, and KNUT National Executive Secretary Collins Oyuu. The government remains committed to its goal of ending banditry and 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 year and a half.
