KAJIADO, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a directive to chiefs and assistant chiefs in Kajiado County to work closely with police and ensure the immediate arrest of a suspected serial rapist who has been terrorising residents in the Magadi and Majengo areas.
Speaking during a Jukwaa La Usalama forum held in Kajiado on Friday, Murkomen expressed outrage over reports that the suspect remains at large despite his location being known to some locals.
“No one gets lost in Kenya. The chief knows everything. Let us get the guy within seven days and settle the matter,” Murkomen declared, prompting applause from residents in attendance.
He condemned the continued impunity of the alleged offender, believed to have defiled several minors, saying it was unacceptable for such a person to continue living freely within the community.
“How can somebody defile young children and continue roaming in the neighbourhood like it’s normal?” the CS posed. “This is a matter we must deal with decisively. This Jukwaa has approved that the person be arrested in seven days.”
The community engagement forum, which brought together security agencies, administrators, and local residents, saw dozens raise concern over the spike in rape cases and the perceived inaction by law enforcement.
Murkomen’s comments followed passionate pleas from affected families, who said the suspect had been seen in the area but had not been apprehended.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who also attended the forum, assured the public that police had intensified efforts to capture the suspect.
“We are on top of this. Officers have already stepped up the manhunt,” Kanja said.
The Ministry of Interior has been holding regular Jukwaa La Usalama sessions across the country to promote community policing and improve collaboration between citizens and security agencies.
Murkomen said the fight against crime—particularly gender-based violence—requires vigilance and accountability at every level of government, including from local administrators.
“Chiefs and assistant chiefs are the eyes and ears of the government. We cannot protect the community if we tolerate silence or complicity,” he added.
The CS vowed that anyone found shielding or aiding the suspect would also face prosecution.
