Murkomen hails Operation Maliza Uhalifu success in Kerio Valley
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 23, 2025Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has hailed Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) for making significant strides in curbing banditry and restoring peace in the Kerio Valley region.
Taking to X, after the 2nd edition of the Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift Sports for Peace Tournament in Chemolingot, Tiaty Central Sub-County, Baringo County, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Murkomen commended the initiative for fostering security and cohesion.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu has recorded remarkable success in silencing guns and restoring peace in the Kerio Valley region,” Murkomen said. “Building on this momentum, we are intensifying interventions geared towards deepening cohesion, fostering reconciliation, and pacifying the region further for sustainable development.”
The tournament brought together athletes from Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Laikipia, and Turkana counties, using sports as a platform to strengthen unity and reconciliation among communities.
“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. “We call upon local leaders and members of the public to continue supporting security and development initiatives in the region for lasting peace to be realised.”
Kerio Valley security
Kerio Valley has in recent months been plagued by violent attacks. In March, four people, including two pupils, were killed in separate banditry incidents, while in April, a retired National Police Reservist, Abraham Kitum, was shot dead while herding livestock in Chebasiak, Elgeyo Marakwet. Residents said many attackers come from neighboring counties, and livestock thefts continue to cause tension in the area.
Murkomen was joined at the event by Governors Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo) and Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Deputy Governors Felix Kipng’ok (Baringo) and Grace Cheserek (Elgeyo Marakwet), West Pokot Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, Tiaty MP William Kamket, as well as senior security officials including DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli and ASTU Commander Joseph Limo.
Officials noted that OMU’s success stems from strong collaboration between security agencies, county governments, and local communities. Initiatives like the Sports for Peace tournament complement security operations by promoting cohesion, dialogue, and reconciliation.
