Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen today presided over the Jukwaa la Usalama – Embu County Chapter, a high-level security forum convened to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders in addressing pressing security and public safety issues in the region.
Speaking during the forum held in Embu, CS Murkomen emphasized that partnerships at the grassroots remain essential in resolving long-standing conflicts and enhancing service delivery. He lauded the role of community-driven initiatives such as Nyumba Kumi, peace committees, Court Users Committees, public barazas, and multi-agency operations in fostering lasting peace and public trust.
“Our collective resolve and multi-agency cooperation are central to defeating the security and public health threats posed by illicit brews, counterfeit alcohol, and drug abuse,” said Murkomen. “In Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties, we are scaling up our support to NACADA, NGAO, county governments, and other security actors to decisively deal with this menace.”
CS Murkomen noted with concern the increasing cultivation of cannabis in parts of Mt Kenya forest, warning that such illegal activities threaten both the region’s ecology and the wellbeing of communities. He commended ongoing joint operations between the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), aimed at rooting out the cultivation and restoring order.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed the spike in road accidents along the Meru-Nairobi highway, primarily involving speeding vehicles ferrying miraa. “We are working closely with KENHA, NTSA, and miraa traders’ associations to introduce safety measures and stricter enforcement to reduce fatalities,” he said.
In his remarks, Murkomen called for a reset in police-community relations, highlighting the importance of rebuilding trust and cooperation between officers, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and local communities. “We want a police service that listens, respects, and works alongside the people it serves,” he stated.
The CS was joined at the forum by Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, Deputy Inspector General-KPS Eliud Lagat, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, Regional Police Commander Charles Naibei, Regional AP Commander Lusweti Barasa, and Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo.
Also in attendance were Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku and several Members of County Assembly (MCAs), underscoring the intergovernmental commitment to tackling the region’s challenges.
Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s dedication to deepening community engagement and strengthening inter-agency partnerships as a blueprint for sustainable peace and security across the country.
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