Murkomen commends multi-agency team for containing banditry in Kerio Valley
By Faith Lagat, December 25, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the Todo Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Camp in Kolowa Sub-County, Baringo County, where he spent Christmas with security officers deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).
Murkomen was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, and other senior security officials.
In an X post dated December 25, 2025, Murkomen highlighted the sacrifices made by officers serving in volatile regions during the festive season.
“The majority of our security officers are spending this Christmas season away from their loved ones, selflessly ensuring that our country remains safe and secure. This afternoon, we visited the Todo KDF Camp in Kolowa Sub-County, Baringo County, to celebrate Christmas with them and to express our appreciation for the excellent work they are doing,” read the X post.
“The officers are part of the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) security team, whose efforts have successfully contained banditry and restored calm and normalcy across the Kerio Valley region. I salute every officer, together with their families, for the great sacrifice they make in service to our nation.”
Operation Maliza Uhalifu brings together the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service and has been operational in the North Rift since 2023, targeting banditry in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Laikipia counties.
Firearms recovery and security gains
Murkomen has previously reported significant gains under the operation. On December 2, 2025, while presenting the Jukwaa La Usalama report to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, he said more than one thousand illegal firearms had been recovered in the Kerio Valley region in less than five months. He attributed the success to coordinated efforts between security agencies, local administrators and community leaders.
Earlier reports from 2025 showed recoveries of more than 600 firearms across the North Rift by October, with surrenders in Kerio Valley contributing to improved security. The operation has also involved the recovery of stolen livestock, arrests of suspects and sustained disarmament drives. Murkomen noted that while banditry remains a challenge in other areas, Kerio Valley has recorded notable progress following the intensification of OMU.
Linking security to development
On December 10, 2025, after visiting Tiaty, Murkomen said restored stability in Kerio Valley was creating an enabling environment for development projects.
He presided over the Kolowa Women Empowerment Programme initiated by area MP William Kamket, aimed at strengthening women’s economic resilience. The Cabinet Secretary said the government is advancing road construction, water projects, markets and social services to support sustainable growth.
Murkomen noted that the Kerio Valley model, which combines security operations, community engagement and development, is being considered for replication in other banditry-affected counties including Meru, Isiolo and Samburu.
He urged continued cooperation from local leaders and communities to sustain the gains achieved through Operation Maliza Uhalifu.