Murkomen says gov’t has stepped up security operations in Samburu, Meru, Isiolo

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government has increased security operations in Samburu, Meru, and Isiolo counties to combat banditry, cattle rustling, and illegal firearm possession. During a appearance before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Murkomen reported that the security situation in these three counties had improved, though challenges remained due to inter-community conflicts and livestock theft.

He stated that security operations had resulted in the recovery of 3,221 livestock out of 4,306 reported stolen and 2,395 illegal firearms between September 2025 and September 2026. Murkomen highlighted the establishment of security camps and recruitment/training of National Police Reservists as key elements of the strengthened security efforts.

He cited illegal firearms, retaliatory attacks, competition over resources, and markets for stolen livestock as contributing to ongoing insecurity. The CS also noted that the September 16 attack in Samburu, which resulted in five deaths, including two police officers, a National Police Reservist, and two civilians, prompted intensified follow-up operations to recover stolen government equipment.

Murkomen emphasized that while peacebuilding initiatives involving community leaders, religious figures, and local peace committees were underway, security operations alone could not solve inter-community conflicts, stressing the need for dialogue and cooperation between all parties. He acknowledged the challenges posed by difficult terrain, poor infrastructure, and limited resources, and expressed the government's intention to seek additional budgetary support to improve security infrastructure in the region.