Significant Drop in Banditry and Stock Theft as Government Vows to Tackle Remaining Security Challenges — CS Murkomen

 

 Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a marked decline in cases of banditry and stock theft across the country in the first quarter of 2025, attributing the progress to intensified security operations and stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities.

Speaking while releasing the ministry’s January–March security report, CS Murkomen revealed that cases of stock theft dropped significantly, from 263 incidents in the first quarter of 2024 to 167 in the same period this year — a 36% reduction. Similarly, the number of stolen livestock fell sharply, from 8,557 in early 2024 to 4,935 in the first quarter of 2025.

“In spite of the notable achievements, we sadly lost 21 lives — among them 1 police officer, 8 civilians, and 12 suspects — compared to 58 lives lost during the same period last year,” said Murkomen.

The Interior CS credited the gains to the dedication of security forces, including the National Police Reserve (NPR), who have been working in close coordination in hotspot regions.

“Our security officers have shown resilience and commitment in the fight against banditry, and their efforts are beginning to yield measurable results,” he stated.

However, Murkomen acknowledged that the battle is far from over. He outlined several persistent challenges complicating the fight against banditry and insecurity:

1. The widespread availability of illicit small arms and light weapons
2. The commercialization of banditry, fueled by easy access to markets for stolen livestock
3. Political incitement and interference in security matters
4. Resource-based conflicts, especially over water and pasture during drought
5. Disputes over communal land boundaries
6. Criminals exploiting inaccessible hideouts due to poor infrastructure and mobile network coverage

In response, the government is mobilizing resources to improve infrastructure, including schools and roads, and to better equip security personnel.

Murkomen issued a stern call to action to political leaders and the public: “I urge Kenyans to collaborate with our security officers as we strive to secure our country. Let us shun all acts of political incitement and revenge. I urge political leaders to stop playing politics with such important national security concerns.”

He concluded on a hopeful note, affirming the government’s determination to sustain the progress made: “We are motivated by the gains we have made in the first quarter and we will work hard to safeguard these gains and secure our nation in the rest of the year.”

May 04, 2025