NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a special intelligence-led, multi-agency security operation in Mukogodo Forest and surrounding areas following renewed reports of insecurity along the Laikipia–Isiolo border.
Murkomen said the operation aims to track down armed criminals, recover illegal firearms and stolen livestock, and restore law and order in the region, even as the government consolidates recent gains made in restoring peace across Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya.
“Even as we consolidate the gains made in restoring peace and security, a few isolated insecurity incidents have been reported,” Murkomen said.
He spoke after meeting security officials, local leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders in Kurum, Laikipia North, to assess the security situation and agree on further interventions.
According to the Interior Ministry, the operation will focus on Mukogodo Forest and its environs, an area that has in the past been linked to cattle rustling and illegal firearms trafficking.
Murkomen said the government will also accelerate the rehabilitation of security roads and expand mobile network coverage to improve surveillance, response times and access to remote areas.
He added that authorities will strengthen the capacity of National Police Reservists as part of broader community-based security measures.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, OMU Commander Brigadier Alex Kiraguri, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan, and Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi.
Local political leaders present included Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, and former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo.
The renewed operation comes amid sustained government efforts to stabilise historically volatile regions through coordinated security deployments, intelligence-driven policing and infrastructure investment.
Kenya’s security agencies have increasingly relied on joint operations involving the police, National Police Reservists and specialised units to curb banditry and organised crime, particularly in border and forested areas.
Murkomen said the government remains committed to ensuring lasting peace and protecting livelihoods in affected communities.
