Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged firm action to restore calm in Trans Mara following the start of a voluntary surrender of illegal firearms, as ordered by President William Ruto.

The move comes amid escalating insecurity in parts of Narok County that has displaced thousands of residents and destroyed property.

In a post on X dated December 23, 2025, Murkomen underscored the government’s stance, stating, “No part of our country shall be allowed to slide into lawlessness under the watch of the Kenya Kwanza administration.” He said security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure order is restored and sustained.

Escalating insecurity

Violent clashes in Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South sub-counties have intensified since mid-December, leaving more than 1,800 people displaced and 253 homes destroyed, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The situation has prompted the government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew and declare 14 areas security-disturbed zones to allow for enhanced operations by security agencies.

To fast-track interventions and facilitate the return of displaced residents, Murkomen held a field meeting in Siteti, Trans Mara South Sub-County, bringing together National Government Administrative Officers and senior security officials. He said coordinated action on the ground was critical to stabilising the region and restoring confidence among affected communities.

Surrender of illegal firearms

Murkomen said the disarmament exercise was central to long-term peace, warning that the government would not tolerate continued possession of illegal weapons.

“To achieve sustainable peace in the region, all illegal firearms in civilian hands in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West, and Emurua Dikirr constituencies must be surrendered to the government without delay. Those involved in the sale of illegal firearms and ammunition will face decisive action,” he said.

He confirmed that initial surrenders had already begun following presidential directives.

“Following directives issued yesterday by H.E. the President, five guns and fourteen rounds of ammunition have been surrendered by civilian owners. This, however, is only a drop in the ocean, given that the area is estimated to have close to 100 illegal firearms. Our security agencies have been given firm instructions to mop up all remaining illegal weapons,” Murkomen said.

County rangers under scrutiny

The CS also raised concerns over the conduct of some county rangers, noting reported cases of misuse of firearms.

“We are also aware of instances where County Rangers have misused firearms to carry out unlawful activities. I will issue a policy directive to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all rangers in the country are vetted afresh, operate under a clear reporting structure, and remain fully accountable to the National Police Service,” he said.

Murkomen was accompanied by Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat and other senior officers, as the government signalled the start of intensified disarmament and security operations in the region.