Murkomen Orders Kenya-Uganda Security Teams to Unite Against Banditry, Cattle Rustling

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for enhanced security cooperation between Kenya and Uganda to tackle cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities affecting communities along the two countries’ shared border.

Murkomen said security agencies in Kenya and Uganda must work closely to prevent criminals from exploiting the international boundary to commit offences in one country and escape into the other.

The CS spoke during a thanksgiving ceremony at Amanang Secondary School in Bukwo District, Uganda, where he joined residents and leaders from both countries in celebrating the strong friendship and shared heritage between Kenya and Uganda.

Murkomen said the gathering provided an opportunity for communities on both sides of the border to strengthen their longstanding social, cultural and economic ties.

He noted that Kenya and Uganda have maintained close relations, with citizens from the two countries frequently crossing the border for trade, employment, education, family and other social activities.

According to Murkomen, the two countries will continue supporting the free movement of citizens in line with the East African Community integration agenda, allowing Kenyans and Ugandans to live, work and conduct business across the border.

He, however, stressed that greater movement between the two countries must be accompanied by stronger security cooperation to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of the porous border.

Murkomen said security agencies operating in West Pokot and neighbouring regions in Uganda have been directed to strengthen coordination and share information to address insecurity affecting border communities.

He identified cattle rustling and banditry as some of the challenges requiring closer collaboration between Kenyan and Ugandan authorities.

The CS said the two countries cannot allow criminals to commit offences on one side of the border and then cross into the neighbouring country to evade law enforcement agencies.

He called for coordinated operations and closer engagement between security teams to ensure suspects are brought to justice while communities living along the border are protected.

Murkomen further said the government remains committed to working with Uganda and other regional partners to create an environment where border communities can live peacefully, conduct business and pursue economic opportunities without fear.

He also highlighted the importance of the Suam One Stop Border Post, saying its completion and commissioning will further strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Uganda.

The facility is expected to improve the movement of people and goods across the Kenya-Uganda border while supporting trade and regional integration.

Murkomen said Kenya looks forward to the commissioning of the Suam One Stop Border Post by President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart President Yoweri Museveni.

He said the project will serve as another demonstration of the close relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to improving connectivity, trade and economic opportunities for border communities.

 

The CS said Kenya and Uganda must continue building on their historical ties and work together to promote peace, security and shared prosperity.

He was accompanied during the visit by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Endebess MP Robert Pukose, County MP Lilian Siyoi, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba, among other leaders.

The Kenyan delegation was received on the Ugandan side by Kapyagon Brian Besta, MP for Kongasis County; Chelangat Evelyn Tete, Woman Representative for Bukwo District; Chesol Tom, District Chairperson of Bukwo; and Chelimo Vincent, District Chairperson of Kapchorwa, among other Ugandan dignitaries.

The meeting brought together leaders and residents from the two countries at a time when both governments continue to pursue deeper regional integration under the East African Community.

Murkomen said the strong relationship between Kenya and Uganda should translate into improved security, increased trade, easier movement of people and better opportunities for communities living along the border.

He reiterated that Kenya remains committed to working with Uganda to safeguard the border and ensure that the region remains peaceful and secure for present and future generations.