Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to intensify operations in Samburu and Isiolo counties in a renewed push to recover illegal firearms, stolen livestock and dismantle criminal networks blamed for banditry.

Murkomen said the government would not relent until the affected areas are freed from banditry, citing ongoing security operations in parts of Northern Kenya and the Kerio Valley.

He said security agencies have so far recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition in the wider crackdown.

The CS, however, acknowledged the killing of livestock during a recent security operation in Samburu, saying the government had directed security agencies to exercise maximum caution to minimise collateral damage during such operations.

“We are intensifying our operations in Samburu and Isiolo to recover all illegal firearms and stolen livestock, dismantle criminal networks, and restore lasting peace,” Murkomen said.

He added that the government had also stepped up the fight against drug and substance abuse through enhanced enforcement and disruption of supply networks, particularly to protect young people.

Murkomen spoke at Nandi Hills Stadium in Nandi County, where he presided over a fundraiser organised by the Nandi East/Tinderet KNUT branch to support the construction of an office block and purchase of a staff bus.

He commended the KNUT branch for prioritising the welfare of teachers and reaffirmed the government's commitment to reforms in the education sector.

The event was attended by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur, KNUT Secretary General Henry Oyuu and other leaders.