Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen today led the final session of the Jukwaa La Usalama town hall meetings for the Eastern Region in Isiolo County, marking the conclusion of an intensive security engagement across all eight counties of the region.
The town hall series, launched to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and citizens on security and service delivery, has provided invaluable insights that will inform policy and operational reforms in the Ministry of Interior.
“We now have a clearer understanding of the security and governance challenges facing our citizens in this region. This feedback will be critical in shaping reforms that enhance service delivery and public safety,” said CS Murkomen.
Among the most pressing issues raised during the Isiolo engagement was the persistence of cattle rustling, a menace also prevalent in neighbouring Marsabit County. In response, Murkomen announced the bolstering of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which now operates from a second base in Kirimon, Laikipia, with orders to intensify action against livestock theft syndicates.
“We are stepping up operations to deal decisively with cattle rustling and its associated criminal networks,” he affirmed.
The CS also highlighted a key outcome of the regional dialogues: the recruitment of more National Police Reservists (NPRs), restructuring of their reporting lines, and commitment to improving their welfare and working conditions.
Murkomen also issued a stern warning to political actors misusing criminal gangs to intimidate rivals.
“Let me be clear—electoral competition must never descend into violence or threats. Our officers are on high alert to dismantle any politically backed criminal groups,” he said.
Human and drug trafficking also featured prominently in discussions, with CS Murkomen pointing to Isiolo’s strategic location along the highway to the Ethiopian border as a vulnerability exploited by traffickers. He pledged increased surveillance and enforcement to curb cross-border criminal activities.
Additional priorities outlined included:
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Resolving land and natural resource disputes through a whole-of-government approach
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Operationalising administrative units for improved governance reach
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Equipping police and administrative officers with modern tools to enhance responsiveness
CS Murkomen emphasized that long-term peace in the region can only be achieved through sustainable development, reiterating the government's commitment to infrastructure in historically marginalised areas.
“That is why President William Samoei Ruto’s agenda to deliver roads and development in Northern Kenya remains firm. Development is the most effective path to lasting peace,” he concluded.
The Isiolo meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Mohamed Tubi (Isiolo South) and Joseph Samal (Isiolo North), General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, and Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, among other senior officials from the security and administrative sectors.
The Jukwaa La Usalama initiative continues to be lauded as a model for citizen-centred security governance, bridging the gap between the state and communities across Kenya.
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