Murkomen flags drug abuse and defilement as major security threats in Western Kenya
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns over rising insecurity in Western Kenya, citing drug and alcohol abuse, gang activities, and defilement as the region’s biggest threats.
In a statement shared on Friday, September 5, 2025, Murkomen noted that the ongoing Jukwaa La Usalama county tours have given the government invaluable insights into the security and service delivery challenges facing Kenyans.
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The CS announced that a special team will be deployed to support regional security officers in tackling these issues. He urged local leaders and residents to fully cooperate with security agencies to restore order and safety in their communities.
“Our Jukwaa La Usalama tour of counties continues to give us invaluable insights into security and service delivery challenges affecting citizens and possible strategies to resolve them, “Murkomen stated.
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“Gangs, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as defilement, are the key security challenges we are grappling with in the region. I call on leaders and the community to cooperate fully with us as we deploy a special team to support the regional security officers in dealing with these challenges.”
Murkomen also appealed to the media, particularly vernacular radio stations, to exercise responsibility in their reporting and avoid being used as channels of incitement.
“I also appealed to the media, especially vernacular stations, to report responsibly and refuse to be channels of incitement,” he added.
Drugs abuse
The CS linked the persistence of gangs to social and cultural factors, pointing to the normalisation of drug use and illicit activities in the region. “The biggest challenge in Western… it is the prevalence of goons and gangs everywhere,” he observed.
Murkomen said the gangs are often mobilised to attend political functions, including funerals, where their presence not only intimidates opponents but also turns into a profitable activity for jobless youth. This cycle, he warned, is undermining peace and development in Western Kenya.
Call for dialogue
To curb the menace, Murkomen announced a multi-agency operation in Bungoma targeting political gangs, land fraud cartels, and illicit alcohol distributors. He stressed that the crackdown is politically neutral and aimed at safeguarding communities and natural ecosystems such as Mount Elgon National Park.
At the same time, he urged leaders to take responsibility. “If we have to dismantle the goons and gangs, we need full cooperation from the elected and aspiring leaders… I would like to come back and have a meeting with all leaders,” he said.
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Murkomen’s remarks tie into his wider agenda of police reforms and modernisation. He has been championing the digitisation of services and more inclusive uniforms, including maternity wear, while also addressing rising insecurity in Nairobi, where street children have been linked to muggings. His message was clear: restoring security requires both enforcement and honest political will.
