The government has established a new police command to conduct security operations in Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo and parts of Meru counties.

Dubbed ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) Two’, the Command Centre will be located at Kirimon in Laikipia county and will be tackling emerging crimes in the troubled areas, and restore peace and normalcy.

“This is a joint operation of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to deal with banditry and restore security targeting North Rift counties of Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet. They will be working closely with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), NPRs and Rangers,” Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.

Emergent problems

The CS said the government is separating the command centres in the region where the new Kirimon centre will complement Chemalingot base in the operations to flush out criminals.

“OMU Two will have its commander and will deal with emerging security trends that have a spill over to neighbouring counties. We still have a problem in Mukokodo forest, parts of Samburu East and Maralal,” he said.

Murkomen, who spoke during a security meeting at Kirimon NYS training camp, put on notice politicians aiding banditry and fuelling insecurity in Kerio Valley. He also said NPRs and rangers are not answerable to politicians, and therefore should not be turned to their personal militias.

The first OMU command Centre was established in Chemolingot, Tiaty in Baringo county. Murkomen said that the invigorated security operation will incorporate the use of technology. He waded on police welfare support and mental health, including developing a new strategy in the distribution of resources with special attention to operation areas, and the National Police Reservist (NPRs) command structure.

He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DIG Eliud Lagat, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and top security officials from Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties.