Murkomen announces fresh security crackdown on illegal firearms in Samburu
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 5, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced fresh intelligence-led security operations in Samburu County as the government steps up efforts to fight cattle rustling, illegal firearms and banditry in northern Kenya.
Murkomen said the operations will begin within the next three weeks and will target people involved in the illegal gun trade, sale of bullets and movement of stolen livestock across the region.
The CS made the announcement on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after attending a church service and fundraising event at Ledero Catholic Church in Maralal Ward, Samburu County.
“We are launching intelligence-led security operations to mop up illegal firearms and disrupt the sale and distribution of bullets and stolen livestock,” Murkomen said in a statement shared on his X account.
The latest security operation comes at a time when the government is increasing pressure on armed criminal groups operating in Samburu and neighbouring counties. Although cases of insecurity have reduced in recent years, authorities say isolated incidents of cattle rustling and bandit attacks continue to affect some areas.
Murkomen said government security strategies deployed over the last four years had improved stability in Samburu and other parts of the North Rift. However, he noted that illegal firearms remain a major challenge because they continue to fuel livestock theft and violence between communities.
Security agencies are expected to use intelligence reports and local information to identify illegal gun holders, suppliers of ammunition and livestock theft networks. The government believes the approach will help officers conduct targeted operations without affecting peaceful residents.
Expanded security operations nationwide
The planned crackdown in Samburu follows similar operations launched in other parts of the country in recent weeks.
On June 24, 2026, Murkomen issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South to surrender illegal firearms after renewed cattle theft along the Narok-Migori border.
“We will also target those selling bullets to criminals and those who trade in stolen livestock,” Murkomen said during a peace and security meeting in Ang’ata Barrikoi.
According to the Interior Ministry, security operations conducted in the area last year led to the recovery of 21 illegal firearms and the arrest of several suspects linked to banditry and livestock theft.
The government has also intensified security measures in Marsabit County. On July 4, 2026, the Interior Ministry declared 13 areas in Marsabit as dangerous and security-disturbed zones for another 30 days.
Residents in the affected areas were ordered to surrender firearms immediately to police stations and local administrators to support ongoing security operations.
In Samburu, Murkomen also announced the immediate operationalisation of gazetted locations and sub-locations to improve security coordination at the grassroots.
The move is expected to strengthen administration structures and improve communication between residents, chiefs and security officers.
Leaders who accompanied Murkomen during the church event included Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit, Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe and Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda among other local leaders.
Cattle rustling remains one of the biggest security and economic challenges in parts of Samburu, Marsabit, Turkana and neighbouring counties. Many families depend on livestock for income, making cattle theft a major threat to livelihoods and community stability.
The government now hopes that intelligence-led security operations, tougher action against illegal firearms and closer cooperation with local communities will help restore lasting peace in the affected regions.