Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South sub-counties to surrender illegal firearms as the government steps up security operations along the Narok-Migori border.

Murkomen issued the directive during a peace and security meeting held in Kabusa, Ang’ata Barrikoi Division, Narok County, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, following a rise in cattle theft incidents that have heightened tensions in the area.

“We have given 7 days to people in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South Sub-Counties who have illegal firearms to surrender them to the authorities. We will also target those selling bullets to criminals and those who trade in stolen livestock,” Murkomen stated.

The CS said security interventions rolled out last year had yielded positive results, leading to the recovery of 21 illegal firearms and the arrest of several suspects.

“The peace and security interventions we rolled out last year to curb livestock theft and restore calm in areas along the Narok and Migori counties border have borne fruit. Twenty-one illegal firearms have been recovered in the disarmament operations conducted in the area, and several arrests have been made,” Murkomen said.

Security operations

Murkomen said the remaining illegal firearms continue to fuel livestock theft and insecurity in the region.

“This morning, I held a peace and security meeting in Kabusa, Ang’ata Barrikoi Division, Narok County, following a spate of cattle theft in the area that has caused tension between communities and friction with security officers,” he said.

He announced plans to expand intelligence-led operations targeting illegal firearms, strengthen security deployments and improve surveillance across affected areas.

“We will expand and intensify intelligence-led security operations to mop up illegal firearms, realign security installations in the area, deploy more police vehicles to improve coverage and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives,” Murkomen stated.

The CS added that authorities will also target individuals involved in the sale of ammunition to criminals and networks dealing in stolen livestock.

Focus on cattle theft

According to the Interior Ministry, cattle theft remains one of the main drivers of insecurity along the border of Narok and Migori counties.

Murkomen warned that those in possession of illegal firearms must surrender them within seven days or face security operations aimed at recovering the weapons.

“We have given 7 days to people in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South Sub-Counties who have illegal firearms to surrender them to the authorities. We will also target those selling bullets to criminals and those who trade in stolen livestock,” he said.

The meeting brought together senior security officials and political leaders from the region.

Among those present were Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Johana Tonui, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, Regional AP Commander Josphat Nthiga and County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia.

Also in attendance were Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Senator Ledama Olekina, Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, Emurua Dikirr MP David Keter and several Members of County Assembly.

The government said security agencies will continue working with local leaders and communities to address cattle theft and improve stability in the region.