Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns over the rising cases of livestock theft in Narok County, warning that the trend could escalate into violent cattle rustling similar to that seen in other Rift Valley counties.

Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Narok County on Monday, August 11, 2025, Murkomen noted that cattle rustling remains prevalent in the area, despite the region’s favourable conditions that could support alternative livelihoods.

“We have a problem with livestock theft that is mutating to be cattle rustling. It will be hard to speak about cattle rustling in a place like Narok that has a good environment for investment, it is not complicated and challenging like the way we face in other parts of Rift Valley, eg Samburu, Baringo, Turkan, a that are facing serious challenges of livestock theft that also involve the use of guns,” Murkomen said

Murkomen’s remarks come amid heightened efforts by security agencies and government officials to address land and security challenges in Narok. The senator highlighted the relatively peaceful environment in Narok compared to other counties grappling with heavily armed cattle rustlers, warning that if the trend is not checked, Narok risks sliding into similar insecurity.

This warning was part of a broader discussion during the 27th Jukwaa La Usalama engagement in Narok, where Murkomen and other leaders met with county security officials, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and members of the public to discuss measures aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully.

The CS stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of land disputes, noting that

“We continue encouraging people here to take up measures that will resolve land issues amicably without resorting to violence,” he said

Murkomen also commended the role of NGAO teams trained to facilitate community reconciliation, adding, “I am glad some of the land issues inside conservancies have been resolved.” he stressed

Livestock theft remains a major threat to peace and development in many parts of Kenya’s Rift Valley region. Counties such as Samburu, Baringo, and Turkana have suffered violent raids often involving heavily armed bandits, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and economic setbacks.

In contrast, Narok has largely maintained relative calm, but Murkomen’s warning signals the urgent need for proactive security measures to prevent the spread of violent cattle rustling. He emphasised that the security challenges facing other countries serve as a cautionary tale for Narok’s leadership and communities.

“It is not complicated and challenging like the way we face in other parts of the Rift valley, eg Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, that are facing serious challenges of livestock theft that also involve the use of guns,” Murkomen concluded

The Jukwaa La Usalama initiative has been instrumental in fostering communication and cooperation between security agencies and local communities across the country, providing a platform to address emerging threats before they escalate.

Failure to act decisively against evolving livestock theft in Narok could threaten the county’s peace and development gains, making the senator’s warning both timely and critical.