CS Interior Kipchumba Murkomen Sounds Alarm on Land Grabbing, Drug Trafficking in Trans-Nzoia

 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to land grabbers, drug traffickers, and criminal gangs operating in Trans-Nzoia County, vowing swift and decisive government action to restore order and uphold the rule of law.

Speaking during a high-level security forum dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama – Trans-Nzoia County Chapter, Murkomen highlighted the county’s critical role in national food security, noting that this season's maize crop is set to yield another bumper harvest. He attributed the success to the hard work of farmers and the effectiveness of the government’s fertilizer subsidy program.

However, the Interior CS expressed concern over growing threats that could undermine the region’s agricultural productivity and stability.

“Trans-Nzoia’s prosperity has unfortunately attracted the wrong elements—land grabbers, squatters, and criminal networks. What is unfolding here borders on impunity,” said Murkomen.

He revealed that even police stations, prison grounds, forest reserves, and public administration offices have fallen prey to individuals laying claim to public land.

“The situation is dire. Land meant for essential public services and future development is being grabbed in broad daylight,” he said, adding that he had directed the county security team to compile a comprehensive report for submission to the National Security Council. This, he said, would trigger a multi-agency crackdown on illegal land acquisition.

In addition to land-related crimes, Murkomen decried the rampant trafficking of illicit drugs and alcohol into and through the county—blaming its porous border with a neighboring country.

“Trans-Nzoia is being used as a corridor for contraband ethanol, cannabis, and illegal alcohol. This is not only a local problem—it fuels addiction across the region,” he warned.

He announced that the impending completion of the Suam One-Stop Border Post—currently 98% done—will bolster efforts to curb illegal cross-border trade and enhance lawful commerce.

Murkomen did not mince words when addressing law enforcement officers found complicit in these vices.

“Any officer—police or administration—facilitating or protecting these criminal enterprises will face the law. I have requested the Inspector General of Police to dispatch special units from Nairobi to launch an immediate crackdown,” he stated.

Turning to political violence and insecurity, the CS condemned the activities of criminal gangs masquerading as political mobilizers, saying their time was up.

“Before the end of this year, every gang threatening peace in this county will be dismantled. We will not allow goons to hold our people hostage under the guise of politics,” Murkomen affirmed.

The forum was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Members of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Bisau Kakai (Kiminini), and County MP Lillian Siyoi.

Other dignitaries included Trans-Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory, Secretary of National Registration Dr. Christopher Wanjau, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati, Regional AP Commander John Amadadi, Trans-Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, County Police Commander Paul M. Wambugu, County AP Commander Charles Lokwang'ar, various MCAs, and senior government officers.