ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a final appeal to bandits and illegal firearm holders in the North Rift to surrender their weapons voluntarily, promising rehabilitation through education and vocational training, even as the government prepares for a renewed security crackdown.
Speaking Friday at the Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner’s office in Iten, Murkomen said a short window of amnesty had been opened for suspects to turn in firearms without facing prosecution.
This comes ahead of a fresh phase of the government’s “Jukwaa La Usalama” (Security Forum) tour aimed at restoring lasting peace in the region.
“If you own a firearm, we are giving you an opportunity in the shortest time possible to present it to police officers,” Murkomen said. “Some of these people are of school-going age. Instead of engaging in crime, we will give them scholarships to get skills that can help them build meaningful lives.”
The CS said the government is working with various agencies to enroll surrendered suspects in technical and vocational training institutions as part of a broader plan to replace guns with education and skills-based empowerment.
“I am ready to take those who surrender to technical schools so they can empower themselves,” he added.
Renewed Crackdown in Sight
However, Murkomen warned that those who reject the amnesty offer will face an unforgiving security response.
He said a reinforced and more aggressive operation is in the pipeline targeting those who continue to engage in banditry.
“Those who insist that they must continue to be in banditry will have no one to blame. Our security agencies are going to deal with them firmly,” he said.
He urged young people to “choose pens over guns” and embrace peace for the prosperity of the region.
High-Profile Suspects Under Watch
In a major revelation, the CS said the government has intelligence linking well-known figures—including teachers, contractors, and politicians—to the supply of illegal firearms fueling the conflict.
“We are aware of elements who are buying and supplying firearms; some of them are teachers, contractors, and politicians,” Murkomen said. “The law will catch up with them. I want to give them an olive branch—surrender to the police before it’s too late.”
Murkomen was flanked by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Deputy Inspector General of Police–APS Gilbert Masengeli, MPs Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), Timothy Toroitich (Marakwet West), Caroline Ngelechei (Woman Rep), Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, Speaker Lawi Kibire, and several MCAs.
The Interior Ministry’s renewed approach blends tough security measures with reintegration and rehabilitation, as part of the state’s evolving response to the long-standing banditry crisis in northern Kenya.
