Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen Orders Decisive Crackdown On Illegal Firearms In Samburu

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced an intensification of multi-agency security operations across Samburu and Isiolo counties following a surge in banditry attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, and livestock.

Speaking at Nandi Hills Stadium in Nandi County, where he presided over the Nandi East/Tinderet Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Branch Empowerment Ceremony, CS Murkomen issued a stern warning against illegal firearm holders and criminal networks destabilizing the North Rift region.

“We will continue with the operations to ensure that all people who have illegal firearms, and those targeting our officers, civilians, and livestock, are dealt with decisively,” CS Murkomen stated.

While affirming that the security crackdown will remain intelligence-led, the Cabinet Secretary expressed regret over recent operational incidents that resulted in the loss of livestock. He directed security commanders on the ground to exercise maximum caution to prevent collateral damage and protect non-combatant lives and property during operations.

Addressing criticism regarding the heightened security presence in the region, CS Murkomen dismissed political noise surrounding the crackdown, attributing the public friction to the ministry’s firm enforcement measures. He reiterated the government’s resolve to restore law and order, revealing that state security operations have so far recovered over 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition in the Kerio Valley belt.

“The noise that is there is because we are tightening the nut. We will continue until we liberate those areas before the next election,” he added.

During the event, CS Murkomen commended the KNUT leadership for its commitment to teacher welfare and reaffirmed the administration’s broader policy agenda to reform and strengthen Kenya’s education sector.