Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has identified land disputes as the leading security concern in Tharaka-Nithi County, following a town hall meeting held under the Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement platform.
Speaking during the forum, CS Murkomen said multiple claims of land ownership have sparked tensions in the region, posing a risk of escalation into violent conflicts if not addressed. He assured residents that the Government is actively exploring a multi-agency and whole-of-government solution to resolve land-related grievances across the county and beyond.
“We are committed to preventing these disputes from erupting into full-blown conflicts. A coordinated, inclusive approach is the only way to secure lasting peace,” he stated.
Other major concerns raised during the town hall meeting included coffee theft, rising cases of drug and substance abuse, and human-wildlife conflict, all of which continue to challenge the region’s safety and development.
In response to the resurgence of illicit brews and second-generation alcohol, Murkomen directed local administrators—including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs—to intensify their collaboration with law enforcement to crack down on illegal alcohol production and distribution networks.
The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the recent operationalisation of the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), the planned recruitment of 10,000 new security officers, and the acquisition of additional vehicles for both police and administrative units will significantly bolster security and service delivery nationwide.
Murkomen was joined at the meeting by local leaders and top security officials, including MPs Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka) and Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igambang’ombe), Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service) and Gilbert Masengeli (Administration Police Service), Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, and Tharaka-Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga.
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