Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen pitched camp in Turkana and West Pokot counties, where he engaged residents and local leaders on the region’s persistent security challenges during a forum dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama.

Murkomen, who was flanked by senior security officials, said the visit was aimed at hearing first-hand accounts from residents and assessing the current state of insecurity across the county.

“I have been briefed about the ongoing issues particularly the recurring banditry. Turkana faces unique security challenges due to its internal dynamics and international borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, as well as neighbouring counties like West Pokot and Baringo,” said Murkomen.

Turkana residents, led by their elected representatives and local leaders, raised critical security concerns that demanded direct responses from CS Murkomen.

Public forum

Speaking during a public forum held at Ekales Centre, the Chairman of Turkana Professionals, Jackson Nakusa, described the security situation as a major concern for the Turkana community.

He cited the Todonyang incident, where local fishermen were killed by Merile militia noting that no compensation has been provided to the affected families.

Nakusa called on the government to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and adequately equip the National Police Reservists (NPR) to strengthen security in the region. The CS noted that while the government’s Maliza Uhalifu operation has seen some improvement in the volatile Kerio Valley region, more still needs to be done.

He said among the top priorities, is boosting the number and welfare of National Police Reservists (NPRs), including proper remuneration and equipment.

Murkomen also confirmed that the government is aware of five schools in West Pokot and Turkana that were torched during recent attacks.

He announced that funds have been allocated in the current financial year to facilitate the rebuilding of these institutions, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) tasked with the reconstruction.

Regarding the dusk-to-dawn curfew along the Lodwar–Kitale Highway at Kainuk, a measure that has severely disrupted transport and commerce in the region.

CS Murkomen said the government will consider reviewing the situation and determine whether three years curfew can be lifted.

Maliza uhalifu

Curfew was imposed by the government during the maliza uhalifu operation in February 2023 to curb banditry attacks in Kerio Valley.

Addressing cross-border insecurity, Murkomen said a multi-agency security team will be deployed to work alongside the KDF in stabilizing volatile zones along the borders of Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. “Todonyang, in Turkana North, is grappling with cross-border immigration challenges. We are aware of reports on illegal aliens and human trafficking in the area,” he revealed.

He called for a re-evaluation of the international boundaries around Turkana to help resolve long-standing intercommunal tensions and improve coordination between security agencies in the region.

On humanitarian concerns, Murkomen acknowledged the ongoing food shortages affecting both refugees and host communities in and around Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps. He urged for more public participation in the implementation of the government’s Shirika Plan, which aims to strengthen local integration and service delivery in refugee-hosting areas.

In West Pokot, the CS promised the government will intensify its crackdown on powerful individuals in Kerio Valley, believed to be supplying arms to locals.

Smuggling weapons

Speaking in Kapenguria town during the 16th edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama country tours, Murkomen put on notice individuals fueling insecurity in the region by smuggling weapons.

The CS noted that the suspects have taken advantage of our porous international borders to smuggle the guns and bullets. He announced that they are under active investigations and vowed that no one will be spared, irrespective of their status in society.

“We have a challenge with our porous borders both locally and with neighbouring nations. The small routes are accessed by criminals, and this leads to the proliferation of small arms,” noted the CS.

In particular, he issued a stern warning to individuals dressed in suits disguised as upright citizens but engaging in illegal activity.

Speaking to journalists in Kapenguria after a closed-door security briefing on the status of security in West Pokot county at the county commissioner’s office, the CS stressed that the government is committed to restoring peace in the region and will not condone individuals who will jeopardise the efforts.

“These criminals need to behave. Mtu asijfanye clever by buying guns to sell to our young people to make money” said the CS. He added, “The consequences will be extremely dire. It’s like the saying, ‘when you rattle a snake…’

The National Police Service and other relevant agencies are investigating the suspects. We will soon be picking people from their homes.“ Similarly, the CS took issue with the smuggling of contraband goods into the country.

“People are buying substandard goods and not paying taxes. Contraband goods from neighbouring countries are also hurting our people, especially the youth. Drugs, cheap alcohol are packed and sold to unsuspecting clients. Many young people are having their lives wasted through imports and other manufactured goods.”