Murkomen Begins Kerio Valley Tour, Vows to Crush Banditry

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a tour of the Kerio Valley region, pledging intensified security operations to decisively end banditry and restore lasting peace in affected counties.

Speaking in Cheptebo, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, the CS said the government would roll out a renewed disarmament exercise in Turkana, Laikipia and Isiolo counties, citing the success of similar operations in Elgeyo-Marakwet and neighbouring areas.

Murkomen said his regional tour, which will also cover West Pokot, Turkana, Laikipia, Isiolo and Meru counties, aims to assess the security situation on the ground and engage both residents and security agencies on strategies to eliminate remaining pockets of criminality.

“We are confident that the strategic interventions we applied in Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo will bear fruit in other regions where banditry persists. We will not rest until banditry is wiped out completely so that these areas can enjoy peace and development,” he said.

The CS commended residents of the Kerio Valley for cooperating with government-led disarmament efforts, noting that more than 1,200 illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered so far.

“I want to thank those who have responded to our call to surrender illegal firearms. Continued cooperation is critical to sustaining peace,” Murkomen said.

He also praised the Church for its role in supporting disarmament initiatives and the rehabilitation of reformed bandits in Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

Murkomen announced that the government will scale up rehabilitation programmes for individuals who have abandoned banditry, including enrolling them in colleges and technical institutions to equip them with marketable skills.

“All those who were involved in banditry and have renounced the crime will be supported through training and skilling so they can earn a living and reintegrate productively into society,” he said.

In a major development boost for the region, the CS revealed plans to establish Kerio Valley University at Tambach, following consultations with President William Ruto. He clarified that Tambach Teachers Training College will continue operating alongside the new institution, which will be built adjacent to the college.

Murkomen was accompanied by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, TVET PS Dr. Esther Muoria, Senator William Kisang, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, and several MCAs led by County Assembly Speaker Lawi Kibire.