Murkomen extends olive branch to individuals with illegal firearms, cautions politicians inciting
By Faith Lagat, September 11, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended an olive branch to individuals holding illegal firearms in Migori County, urging them to surrender the weapons as part of a targeted disarmament.
At the same time, he warned politicians against inciting violence, saying firm action will be taken against offenders.
Targeted operation
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Murkomen announced that the disarmament would be comprehensive and intelligence-led, as the government seeks to resolve recurring insecurity linked to a land conflict with Narok County.
“Ahead of this disarmament, which will be targeted and comprehensive, I extend an olive branch to individuals with illegal guns to surrender them. We shall also take firm action on politicians inciting violence,” he said.
The initiative comes months after President William Ruto presided over the destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County.
The weapons, recovered between 2022 and 2025, had been surrendered or seized during operations. “Today’s ceremony sends a clear and powerful message: we will not allow violence to take root in our communities,” the president said, commending religious and community leaders who supported amnesty programmes.
Building on gains
Murkomen’s Migori directive follows successes in the Kerio Valley, where Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) has been credited with reducing banditry. Speaking on August 23 after the OMU North Rift Sports for Peace Tournament in Chemolingot, Baringo County, Murkomen lauded the initiative.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu has recorded remarkable success in silencing guns and restoring peace in the Kerio Valley region,” he said.
The tournament drew athletes from Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Laikipia, and Turkana counties, using sports as a tool to foster reconciliation.
“Even as we celebrate the gains we have made so far, we are ramping up our efforts to pacify the few remaining troubled areas,” Murkomen added.
Wider security concerns
Beyond disarmament, Murkomen highlighted insecurity tied to unregulated mining in Migori, pledging fast-tracked licensing to protect ecosystems and revenues.
He also pointed to measures aimed at safeguarding fishermen through modernisation of the Coast Guard Service and enhanced border patrols to counter smuggling, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
The government’s broader strategy, anchored in accountability for state-managed firearms and adherence to international treaties, aligns with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030” agenda.