Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged that the government will continue its operations to remove illegal firearms from civilians in the North Rift, asserting that the fight against banditry will be pursued relentlessly and without bias.
Speaking in Baringo County during President William Ruto’s development tour, Murkomen revealed that the government has seized over 600 illegal guns in the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo, including 170 firearms in Baringo alone. He noted that further recovery operations are in progress.
“We have sustained operations to recover illegal firearms from civilians. We are determined to ensure that all illegal guns in civilian hands are recovered so that people can live in peace,” he stated.
The CS also warned political leaders and individuals who protect bandits that they will face consequences.
“I have friends, including some who are elected leaders, others are seeking office. But I’ve made it clear that friendship means nothing if someone defends illegal guns in civilian hands. There will be no consultations to halt our disarmament operations. We will not consult anyone before removing illegal firearms from civilians,” he asserted.
Murkomen reiterated that the disarmament operation will be conducted in a manner that ensures innocent civilians are not punished for offences they did not commit, as has happened in the past.
“This operation will be targeted and intelligence-led. We will not carry out blanket raids like before where elders, youth, women and whole communities were indiscriminately rounded up in search of guns. The Government can now identify who holds guns and ammunition and who finances banditry, and we will apprehend those individuals one by one,” he explained.
Murkomen praised President Ruto for his ongoing investment in national security, stating that these efforts have transformed the previously volatile Kerio Valley into a region now experiencing renewed peace and stability.
“Before President William Ruto assumed leadership, the Kerio Valley faced serious security challenges, particularly due to cattle rustling. However, thanks to the significant investments he has made in the security sector, including acquiring modern equipment, increasing the number of officers on the ground, and providing us with clear direction as security leaders, we have witnessed tremendous transformation,” he said.
He added that the government’s relentless operations have restored calm across the region, allowing residents to resume normal activities.
“The results of the government’s efforts to rid Kerio Valley and other parts of the Rift Valley, especially Baringo County, of criminals are now clearly evident. Security has greatly improved, and residents are beginning to return to their normal activities with peace and renewed hope,” Murkomen said.
The CS further urged members of the public to voluntarily surrender any illegal firearms before security agencies are compelled to recover them forcibly.
