NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared that the government will push ahead with a full disarmament operation in the Kerio Valley, warning that all illegally held firearms must be surrendered.
Speaking in Kimoriot, Baringo County, Murkomen said security agencies had already recovered more than 2,000 firearms but stressed that the exercise is far from complete.
“We have so far collected over 2,000 firearms, but this is not enough. Some individuals are still in possession,” he said. “We will continue with the disarmament operation until all illegal firearms are recovered.”
The operation forms part of a broader government strategy to restore stability in the Kerio Valley, a region that has for years experienced insecurity linked to banditry and the proliferation of illicit weapons.
Murkomen spoke during the commissioning of the Kimoriot Division and the installation of a new Assistant County Commissioner, an administrative move the government says will improve access to services and strengthen state presence in the area.
“The new Division will not only spare residents long journeys in accessing government services, but also forms part of a broader plan to open up the vast Kerio Valley region as we consolidate our gains in ensuring lasting peace, security, and stability,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by senior government officials, including Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, Administration Police Service Commander Josephat Njeru, and Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa.
Local leaders present included Baringo Senator Vincent Chemitei and Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren, alongside Members of the County Assembly.
Security operations in the North Rift, including parts of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot, have intensified in recent years as the government seeks to curb cattle rustling and armed conflict that have disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities.
Murkomen’s remarks signal a continued hardline approach, with authorities indicating that the recovery of illegal firearms remains central to stabilising the region and enabling development.
