Murkomen: Marginalization, Underdevelopment at Heart of Banditry and Cattle Rustling in Northern Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has identified marginalization and the resulting underdevelopment as the key underlying factors contributing to persistent cases of banditry and cattle rustling in parts of northern Kenya.

Murkomen said that although the government has made significant progress in containing banditry and cattle rustling over the past four years, some areas continue to experience sporadic incidents that threaten lives, livelihoods and economic activities.

The CS made the remarks after meeting the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security at Parliament Buildings, where he discussed the prevailing security situation in Samburu, Meru and Isiolo counties.

Murkomen said the government was taking a comprehensive approach to insecurity by combining security operations with development interventions aimed at addressing the historical challenges facing communities in the affected regions.

According to the Interior CS, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services have contributed to marginalization in some areas, creating conditions that can fuel insecurity and undermine economic opportunities.

He said the government has therefore initiated development projects targeting key sectors, including roads, water, education, healthcare and communication infrastructure.

Murkomen said improving access to these services would help open up marginalized areas, stimulate economic activity and improve the livelihoods of communities that have for years faced development challenges.

He noted that the national government was working closely with county governments and other stakeholders to ensure that development programmes complement security interventions and address the underlying causes of conflict.

At the same time, Murkomen said security agencies were intensifying intelligence-led operations in areas affected by banditry and cattle rustling.

He said the operations are targeting individuals involved in the theft of livestock and other criminal activities, with security agencies working to recover stolen animals and bring perpetrators to justice.

The CS also said the government was stepping up efforts to mop up illegal firearms, which he identified as a major factor in the escalation and persistence of armed conflicts in some communities.

Murkomen said enhanced intelligence gathering would enable security agencies to identify criminal networks, track perpetrators and respond more effectively to emerging security threats.

The government is also increasing its security presence in affected areas through the deployment of National Police Reservists (NPRs).

According to Murkomen, the deployment is intended to strengthen security at the community level and support regular security agencies in responding to incidents, particularly in areas that cover large and difficult terrains.

The Interior Ministry is also overseeing the construction of additional security installations to improve the ability of security agencies to respond to emergencies and maintain a sustained presence in vulnerable areas.

Beyond security operations, Murkomen said the government was strengthening peacebuilding initiatives as part of efforts to address conflicts between communities and promote peaceful coexistence.

He emphasised the need for communities, local leaders and national and county governments to work together in tackling insecurity and building sustainable peace.

The CS said lasting solutions to banditry and cattle rustling would require more than security operations, noting that development, access to essential services and economic opportunities must form part of the broader strategy.

He said addressing historical marginalization while maintaining firm security operations would help create conditions for communities in Samburu, Meru, Isiolo and other affected areas to pursue development without fear.

Murkomen's remarks come amid continued government efforts to strengthen security in parts of northern Kenya, where sporadic incidents of banditry, cattle theft and conflicts have periodically disrupted economic activities and affected communities.

He said the government would continue balancing security enforcement with development and peacebuilding programmes as it works towards achieving lasting stability in the affected counties.