Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a seven-day ultimatum to individuals in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South sub-counties to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms, warning that security agencies will launch intensified operations against those who fail to comply.

The directive comes amid renewed efforts by the government to eliminate livestock theft, restore peace, and strengthen security along the volatile Narok-Migori border, an area that has experienced recurring incidents of cattle rustling and inter-community tensions over the years.

Speaking during a peace and security meeting held at Kabusa in Ang'ata Barrikoi Division, Narok County, Murkomen said security interventions introduced by the government last year have significantly improved the situation in the region, resulting in a reduction in livestock theft cases and enhanced cooperation between communities and security agencies.

According to the CS, ongoing disarmament operations have led to the recovery of 21 illegal firearms and the arrest of several suspects believed to be involved in criminal activities. He noted that while substantial progress has been made, the presence of a few remaining illegal firearms continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability.

"The peace and security interventions we rolled out last year to curb livestock theft and restore calm in areas along the Narok and Migori counties border have borne fruit. Twenty-one illegal firearms have been recovered in the disarmament operations conducted in the area, and several arrests have been made," Murkomen said.

He added that the government remains concerned that armed criminals are still using illegally held weapons to terrorize residents, steal livestock and undermine efforts aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities.

"The few remaining illegal firearms continue to fuel livestock theft and insecurity in the region. We are determined to ensure that every illegal weapon is recovered and that criminal elements are brought to justice," he stated.

The peace meeting was convened following a recent spate of cattle theft incidents in the area, which have heightened tensions among local communities and created friction between residents and security officers deployed to maintain law and order.

Murkomen acknowledged that livestock remains a key economic asset for many families in the region and emphasized that protecting livelihoods is a top priority for the government.

He announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening security operations and preventing further incidents of cattle rustling. These include expanding intelligence-led security operations, increasing police patrols, realigning security installations to enhance operational efficiency, and deploying additional police vehicles to improve surveillance and response times.

The Interior CS said security agencies will also strengthen collaboration with local leaders, elders and community policing structures to improve information sharing and address emerging security threats before they escalate.

"We will expand and intensify intelligence-led security operations to mop up illegal firearms, realign security installations in the area, deploy more police vehicles to improve coverage and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives," he said.

Murkomen further warned individuals involved in supplying ammunition to criminals and those participating in the illegal trade of stolen livestock that they would face the full force of the law.

Authorities, he said, have identified criminal networks that facilitate cattle theft by providing markets for stolen animals and enabling the movement of livestock across county boundaries.

"We have given seven days to people in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South sub-counties who have illegal firearms to surrender them to the authorities. We will also target those selling bullets to criminals and those who trade in stolen livestock," he warned.

The Cabinet Secretary called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could help in the recovery of illegal firearms and the arrest of criminal suspects. He assured community members that information shared with authorities would be handled confidentially.

Murkomen also emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among communities living along the border, noting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone.

He said the government is committed to supporting peacebuilding initiatives aimed at promoting trust, unity and conflict resolution among neighboring communities that have historically competed over resources and grazing land.

The meeting brought together senior national government officials, security commanders, elected leaders and community representatives to discuss practical solutions to the security challenges facing the region.

Among those who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary were Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, General Service Unit Commandant Johana Tonui, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, Regional Administration Police Commander Josphat Nthiga and Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia.

Political leaders present included Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, Narok County Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, Emurua Dikirr MP David Keter and several Members of County Assembly.

The leaders welcomed the government's renewed commitment to restoring security in the area and pledged to work closely with security agencies to promote peace and development.

The latest crackdown forms part of the government's broader strategy to combat cattle rustling and the proliferation of illegal firearms in parts of the country affected by banditry and cross-border criminal activities. Officials believe that sustained security operations, combined with community engagement and economic empowerment initiatives, will help secure lasting peace and protect livelihoods in the Narok-Migori border region.

As the seven-day ultimatum takes effect, security agencies are expected to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering, with authorities expressing confidence that the operation will further weaken criminal networks and enhance safety for residents across the affected areas.