Murkomen announces intelligence-led crackdown on livestock and coffee theft in Nyeri
By Faith Lagat, May 3, 2026Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a fresh wave of intelligence-led operations to tackle livestock and coffee theft in Nyeri County, signalling heightened government action against rural crime.
Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, after attending a church service at PCEA Ngaini in Mathira, Murkomen noted with concern that the government has yet to roll out intelligence-led operations to end the menace.
“We are rolling out intelligence-led operations to curb cases of livestock and coffee theft, which have become prevalent in parts of Nyeri County,” read the X post in part.
Security operations and enforcement measures
Murkomen said the Inspector General of Police will deploy a special unit targeting producers, distributors, and vendors of second-generation alcohol and other illicit drugs.
“In addition, we are taking firm administrative and legal action against police officers and administrators who have abetted the production and distribution of these substances.”
The directive comes amid continued concerns over insecurity in Nyeri and neighbouring counties. In September 2025, police arrested a suspect with 15 kilogrammes of stolen coffee cherries at Witima Police Station following a report by a farm owner.
In Kirinyaga, officers arrested seven suspected gang members and recovered housebreaking tools, while detectives dismantled a livestock theft network operating across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a, leading to eight arrests, including a key buyer of stolen animals in Mwea.
The intelligence-led operations come amid continued concern among residents following recent incidents of insecurity. In February 2026, the murder of nine-year-old Shantel in Mathira West, whose body was found in a pit latrine.
The CS was accompanied by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, Kieni MP Wainaina Njoroge, and Nyeri County Commissioner Josphat Biwott, alongside other local leaders.
Crime trends and public concern
Murkomen linked the latest measures to broader security gains, noting a reported 10 per cent reduction in crime rates under the Kenya Kwanza administration, according to the latest Economic Survey. He cited progress in suppressing banditry in Kerio Valley and the recovery of more than 2,000 illegal firearms.
Murkomen said the government will rely on intelligence operations, inter-agency coordination, and accountability measures to address insecurity, with authorities urging public cooperation to support ongoing efforts.