LOLMOLOK, Samburu County — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong warning to individuals financing and facilitating banditry in Samburu, West Pokot, Baringo, Tiaty and Isiolo counties, saying the government has identified those behind the attacks and will pursue them through intelligence-led operations.
Speaking in Lolmolok, Suguta Ward, on Thursday, Murkomen said security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for recurring violence and livestock theft in the region.
“We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
Murkomen announced the launch of a fresh security operation led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, saying the government is determined to restore peace and enable displaced families to return to their homes.
He urged residents illegally possessing firearms to surrender them voluntarily before security agencies begin an intensified disarmament exercise.
“What we did in other parts of Kerio Valley is what we are going to do here until this area is peaceful,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government will also strengthen local security capacity by vetting and recruiting additional National Police Reservists (NPRs) in the affected areas.
He added that the government plans to invest in critical infrastructure, including security installations, roads and expanded mobile network coverage, to improve security operations and enhance government presence in the region.
“We will vet the National Police Reservists in the area and increase their number even as we build roads, security installations and mobile network coverage,” he said.
Earlier, Murkomen held a consultative meeting with local leaders and security stakeholders in Lolmolok, where he appealed to residents in Samburu and neighbouring Baringo and Isiolo counties who still possess illegal firearms to surrender them before enforcement operations begin.
He said the government is intensifying its disarmament campaign while pursuing those responsible for banditry and individuals supporting the criminal activities.
“We are also recovering stolen livestock and opening up the area through the development of critical infrastructure, including security roads and expanded network coverage,” he said.
The Interior CS was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, General Service Unit Commandant Johana Tonui and other senior security officials.
Also present were Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Samburu North MP Eli Letipila, former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and Members of the County Assembly led by Suguta Ward MCA James Leleruk.