Murkomen targets banditry financiers in Samburu, West Pokot, Tiaty and Isiolo
By Emmanuel Rono, July 9, 2026Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned individuals sponsoring and facilitating banditry in Samburu, West Pokot, Tiaty and Isiolo, saying the government will use intelligence-led operations to track them down and bring them to justice.
Speaking in Lolmolok, Suguta Ward, Samburu County, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Murkomen said security agencies had identified those financing and coordinating attacks and vowed they would face the full force of the law.
“We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you,” he said.
Major security operation
The CS announced that the government will roll out a major security operation under the command of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
He urged residents in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily before the operation begins.
Murkomen said the renewed crackdown is intended to restore peace, allow displaced families to return to their homes and livelihoods, and end the cycle of violence that has plagued the region.
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“What we did in other parts of Kerio Valley is what we are going to do here until this area is peaceful,” he said.
In addition to the security operation, Murkomen announced plans to recruit more National Police Reservists to strengthen local security.
He also pledged increased investment in infrastructure, including the construction of security installations, improvement of roads, and expansion of mobile network coverage to enhance surveillance and emergency response.
Illegal firearms
Murkomen also said the operations will begin within the next three weeks and will target people involved in the illegal gun trade, sale of bullets and movement of stolen livestock across the region.
The CS made the announcement on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after attending a church service and fundraising event at Ledero Catholic Church in Maralal Ward, Samburu County.
“We are launching intelligence-led security operations to mop up illegal firearms and disrupt the sale and distribution of bullets and stolen livestock,” Murkomen said in a statement shared on his X account.