NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that Eldoret is fast becoming a haven for fraudsters and drug peddlers, blaming the city’s booming economy for attracting criminals preying on unsuspecting residents.
Speaking after a high-level security briefing at the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner’s office on Wednesday, Murkomen cited an alarming spike in fraudulent schemes, land scams, and drug abuse — particularly among the youth — as emerging threats to public safety in the Rift Valley’s commercial hub.
“We have a lot of fraud going on in this city where many students, parents and traders have been conned. We also have a lot of land fraud in this region,” said the CS.
Murkomen directed local security agencies to intensify crackdowns on con artists and criminal cartels operating in the area, promising swift action against those behind the scams.
Eldoret’s Economic Growth Attracting Conmen
According to the CS, Eldoret’s thriving economy — fuelled by agriculture, education, and trade — has drawn criminal elements who exploit seasonal booms, particularly harvest periods, to swindle farmers and casual workers.
“We even have those who come here during harvest time and defraud the men,” he said.
Murkomen also revisited the infamous Finnish education scam, where over 30,000 youth and their families were duped into paying for fake overseas study and job placements.
The scandal reportedly cost parents over KSh1 billion.
“Shortcuts and get-rich-quick schemes only lead to massive losses and long-term suffering,” he warned.
Crackdown on Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Beyond fraud, Murkomen raised concerns over the surging use of hard drugs and illicit alcohol in Eldoret and surrounding areas, particularly among the youth.
“There are cartels behind this, and we have resolved to deal with them firmly. Anyone involved in the illegal trade will face the full force of the law,” he declared.
He also cautioned politicians and community influencers against intimidating security officers with threats of transfers or political interference.
“Let no one be afraid of doing their job. Security officers must stand firm, and I assure them no one will be victimised for upholding the law,” said Murkomen.
New Security Measures Underway
The Interior Ministry is now expected to implement a series of security interventions to restore public trust in Eldoret’s safety, with a focus on community awareness, law enforcement support, and dismantling criminal networks.
Murkomen urged the public to remain vigilant and seek legal counsel or consult government offices before engaging in business, education, or land transactions.
“If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for it,” he concluded.
