Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to play a more active role in combating political violence, drug and substance abuse, and organised crime, saying effective security can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government institutions and the public.

Speaking during an address to the Trans Nzoia County Assembly on Thursday, Murkomen emphasized that public participation is not merely a legal requirement but a constitutional principle that strengthens governance, accountability, and service delivery.

The Cabinet Secretary said the government's Jukwaa La Usalama initiative was founded on the belief that citizens should have a direct voice in shaping security policies and government programmes that affect their daily lives.

"Involving citizens in legislative processes and policymaking is a Constitutional requirement and a principle of public service. This is the basis of the Jukwaa La Usalama initiative," Murkomen said.

Jukwaa La Usalama reforms bearing fruit

Murkomen noted that the nationwide security consultations held under the Jukwaa La Usalama programme have already produced tangible results, leading to reforms that are improving public safety and enhancing government service delivery across the country.

Among the key achievements, he said, is the decentralisation of government services, which has brought essential public services closer to wananchi while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He also highlighted improved cooperation between security agencies and local communities, saying stronger partnerships have enhanced intelligence gathering, faster response to security threats, and increased public confidence in law enforcement agencies.

The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the government has formally recognised village elders as critical pillars of public administration, acknowledging the important role they play in conflict resolution, community policing, and early detection of security threats at the grassroots level.

Murkomen added that intelligence-led security operations targeting criminal gangs have also intensified, resulting in more effective disruption of organised crime networks operating in different parts of the country.

"I am gratified that the reforms we instituted following the nationwide consultations continue to yield fruit," he told the Assembly.

Calls for united fight against insecurity

Murkomen urged MCAs to become champions of peace within their respective wards by working closely with the national government, security agencies, religious leaders, community elders, and residents.

He warned that political violence, especially during periods of heightened political activity, undermines development, scares away investors, and threatens national unity.

The CS said elected leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and discourage incitement, hate speech, and any form of violence that could destabilise communities.

He also challenged county leaders to support ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, noting that the vice continues to destroy the lives of many young people while fuelling criminal activities.

Murkomen further called for stronger collaboration in dismantling organised criminal networks through information sharing and community policing initiatives.

Commends Trans Nzoia County Assembly

The Interior CS applauded the Trans Nzoia County Assembly for investing in institutional development following the completion of its new Committee Services and Wellness Centre.

He said the facility will provide a modern and conducive environment for committee sittings, stakeholder engagement, and legislative work, ultimately improving oversight and representation.

Murkomen particularly commended Speaker Hon. Andrew Wanyonyi for providing leadership that supports effective governance and institutional growth within the Assembly.

He observed that strengthening county assemblies is essential to deepening devolution and ensuring that county governments remain responsive to the needs of citizens.

Commitment to strengthening devolution

Murkomen reiterated the national government's commitment to working closely with county governments and county assemblies to strengthen devolution while improving security and public service delivery.

He said collaboration between the two levels of government remains critical in addressing emerging security challenges and ensuring development reaches every part of the country.

"We will continue working with County Assemblies across the country to strengthen devolution, secure our country and enhance service delivery to Kenyans," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein, and other senior government officials during the visit.

The address underscored the government's continued push to institutionalise public participation in security governance while fostering stronger partnerships with devolved units to tackle crime, promote peace, and improve the delivery of government services across Kenya.