Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the government has recovered more than 2,000 illegal firearms in the Kerio Valley as part of an intensified nationwide disarmament and security operation.

Taking to his official X account on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Murkomen said the gains reflect what he termed as “tremendous progress” in addressing both longstanding and emerging security threats across the country, particularly in historically volatile regions.

His remarks came moments after he presided over the Metkei Community Empowerment Initiative held at Kamwosor grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The event was organised by Elgeyo Marakwet County MP Caroline Ng’elechei and brought together local and national leaders, including Governor Wisley Rotich, Speaker Lawi Kibire, and Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir.

Progress in Kerio Valley security operations

Murkomen said security operations in the Kerio Valley have significantly weakened banditry networks, noting that the disarmament programme remains ongoing.

“In Kerio Valley, we have successfully tackled banditry, and through our ongoing disarmament programme, recovered over 2,000 illegal firearms,” he said.

The Kerio Valley region has for years experienced cycles of banditry, cattle rustling, and inter-communal violence, prompting repeated security interventions by the government.

Fight against terrorism and crime

The Interior CS also pointed to gains in broader national security efforts, including operations targeting terrorism threats, criminal gangs, and drug trafficking networks.

He said coordinated efforts by security agencies have led to improved stability in several parts of the country, even as isolated incidents continue to emerge.

“We have also intensified efforts against terrorism threats and criminal gang activities, and made commendable progress in our fight against drugs and substance abuse,” Murkomen said.

Isolated conflicts

Despite the reported gains, Murkomen acknowledged ongoing security concerns, citing recent herder-farmer clashes involving communities from Kitui County, Garissa County, and Tana River County.

He said the government has already deployed additional security personnel to the affected areas while engaging local leaders to pursue long-term solutions.

“Despite these gains, we have faced isolated incidents of insecurity in parts of the country, including the recent herder-farmer conflict involving residents of Kitui, Garissa and Tana River counties,” he wrote on X.

“In response, we have deployed additional security personnel and continue to engage local leaders and communities to work with us in delivering a lasting solution to these disputes.”

Murkomen emphasised that lasting peace requires collaboration between government, political leaders, and local communities, particularly in areas affected by resource-based conflicts.

The Metkei initiative, he said, is part of a broader strategy to promote community empowerment alongside security interventions.

The government has, in recent months, intensified security operations in hotspot regions, with a focus on disarmament, intelligence-led policing, and cross-county coordination.

Partnerships with churches

Murkomen had earlier pledged to strengthen partnerships with churches in Kerio Valley to eliminate banditry and promote peace across the region.

Speaking after a church service at AIC Cheptebo Rural Development Centre in Elgeyo-Marakwet County on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Murkomen highlighted the role of the Church in supporting disarmament and rehabilitation programmes in several counties.

He commended the church for its contribution to peace efforts.

“The Church has been our valued partner in the restoration of peace in many parts of the Kerio Valley. It supported us greatly in our disarmament efforts in Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and West Pokot counties, and in the rehabilitation of reformed bandits,” he stated.