Murkomen announces plans to increase police officers to curb banditry
By Nancy Marende, July 31, 2025The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has announced plans to increase the number of police officers and National Police Reservists (NPRs) in parts of Samburu, Isiolo, and Laikipia counties as part of a renewed effort to combat banditry.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Laikipia on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Murkomen noted that while most parts of the county have remained peaceful and continue to attract both tourists and investors, areas near the Mukogodo Forest, particularly those bordering Samburu East and Isiolo, remain hotspots for criminal activity.
He revealed that the government is finalising the establishment of a new security base, the Kirimon Operation Maliza Uhalifu command centre, which will serve as a launchpad for a major security operation to flush out armed criminals hiding in the forest.
“We shall then launch a major operation to flush out criminals who are hiding in the forest. In the meantime, we are establishing more formed-up units and increasing the number of police officers and NPRs in trouble spots,” he stated.
He added that the ministry is also fast-tracking reforms within the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and broader security agencies to enhance service delivery and support frontline personnel.
“We are also dealing with inaccessibility by opening up the region with security roads. Overall, we are stepping up the implementation of our reforms, including the welfare of NGAOs and security agencies in our bid to up service delivery,” he added.
Amnesty programme for bandits
This comes a few days after Murkomen said the government had introduced an amnesty program for bandits tormenting North Rift residents, aiming to recover more than 6,000 firearms believed to be in their possession.
Under the program, bandits who surrender their weapons will receive leniency from the government and scholarship opportunities in tertiary institutions within the country.
“Instead of waiting for the police to come for you, present yourself. And if you had not committed any offence, but you had an illegal gun, that one we are not going to charge you with. We will forgive you. If you do that, we will go a step further to take you to college,” Murkomen said.
He noted that the banditry menace had severely undermined the region’s security and stability, leading to loss of life and displacement.