MURKOMEN DECLARES WAR ON GOONISM AS HE LEADS MAJOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT DRIVE IN ELGEYO MARAKWET

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong warning against political violence and the use of criminal gangs, even as he reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering communities through grassroots economic programmes.

Speaking during the Kabiemit Community Empowerment Initiative at Kimwogo Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen said sustainable economic empowerment remains one of the government's most effective strategies for creating jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening local economies.

The event brought together hundreds of residents, local leaders, women and youth groups who benefited from empowerment programmes aimed at boosting small businesses and improving household incomes.

Murkomen said the government is deliberately investing in initiatives that support micro, small and medium enterprises, arguing that empowering ordinary Kenyans financially is critical to achieving inclusive economic growth.

"Community empowerment is at the heart of our targeted interventions to expedite grassroots economic development by unlocking opportunities for small-scale enterprises," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary praised the Kabiemit Community Empowerment Initiative, describing it as an example of how partnerships between government leaders, charitable foundations and communities can transform lives.

He commended Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei for spearheading the programme in partnership with the OKM Foundation, saying such collaborations complement the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by expanding access to financial support and economic opportunities.

Murkomen assured residents that the national government will continue working closely with Members of Parliament, county governments, development partners and community organisations to ensure empowerment programmes reach every village across the country.

He noted that when youth, women and vulnerable groups receive financial support, training and business opportunities, communities become more resilient and less vulnerable to crime, unemployment and social challenges.

Strong warning against political violence

While emphasizing economic empowerment, Murkomen also delivered a firm message to political leaders, urging them to reject politics driven by violence, intimidation and the recruitment of criminal gangs.

He warned that the government will not allow goonism to take root, saying security agencies have been instructed to deal decisively with individuals or groups seeking to destabilise the country.

According to the CS, Kenya has made significant progress in restoring security in areas previously affected by terrorism, banditry, organised criminal gangs and drug trafficking, and those gains must not be reversed through politically instigated violence.

He called on leaders to embrace issue-based politics and maintain peace ahead of future political activities, saying national unity and stability are essential for economic growth and investor confidence.

Murkomen further urged young people not to allow themselves to be exploited by politicians to engage in unlawful activities, encouraging them instead to take advantage of government empowerment programmes and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Leaders back empowerment agenda

The event attracted a host of leaders who echoed the need for continued collaboration between the national and county governments in accelerating development projects and expanding economic opportunities for residents.

Among those present were Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, County Assembly Speaker Lawi Kibire, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.

The leaders hailed the empowerment initiative as a practical intervention that will help strengthen local businesses, improve household incomes and create employment opportunities for youth and women.

The Kabiemit Community Empowerment Initiative forms part of a growing number of grassroots programmes being rolled out across the country to support enterprise development, promote financial inclusion and accelerate the government's agenda of delivering economic transformation from the bottom up, while reinforcing the importance of peace and security as the foundation for sustainable national development.