Murkomen vows to deliver sustainable peace and economic revival in Kerio Valley
By Faith Lagat, July 26, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering lasting peace and revitalising economic activity in the restive Kerio Valley region, which has long grappled with insecurity and banditry.
Speaking during a stopover at Biretwo Market in Baringo County on July 26, 2025, while en route to Kabarnet for the Baringo Jukwaa La Usalama county forum, Murkomen acknowledged the resilience of local traders who have resumed business following the success of the multi-agency security initiative, Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
“We shall not rest until we achieve sustainable peace in the region. We are also stepping up our value addition programs even as we construct markets to provide traders with a safe and conducive environment for their businesses,” he wrote in a post on his X.
“On our way to Kabarnet, we stopped at Biretwo Market to greet the hard-working traders and savour a variety of fresh fruits from their farms,” Murkomen said. “We commend the traders for their resilience and determination, having successfully resumed their daily business activities following Operation Maliza Uhalifu’s success, which has significantly restored peace and security across the Kerio Valley region.”
Speaking in Elgeyo Marakwet on July 25, 2025, he noted that although pockets of insecurity persist in three of the 20 wards in Elgeyo Marakwet along the Kerio Valley belt, the operation has largely calmed previous hotspots.
The Tot Division, which had experienced a surge in attacks two months ago, has now stabilised. Schools, health centres, and markets have since reopened, while civil servants, traders, and religious leaders who had fled have returned.
“The surge in insecurity incidents in the Tot Division two months ago has been contained thanks to intensified security operations in the area. Schools and health facilities that were closed as a result have reopened. Civil servants, traders, clergy, and church workers who had moved out because of the insecurity have returned,” read his statement.
Security measures
These efforts fall under the broader Jukwaa La Usalama initiative, which promotes public dialogue and inclusive decision-making to address local security challenges. Murkomen highlighted the success of a recent engagement in Elgeyo Marakwet and promised continued consultations in other counties affected by insecurity.
The CS also extended a stern warning to criminal elements still operating in the area, urging them to surrender voluntarily. “I’m extending an olive branch to criminals who are hiding in the forests, those selling illegal arms and ammunition, and those harbouring the criminals to surrender to the police before the law catches up with them,” he said.
Service delivery
Murkomen assured residents that land-related disputes, especially inter-clan and inter-community conflicts, would be addressed through a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Lands and the county government. He said the government will fast-track land adjudication and title issuance to resolve long-standing grievances.
To enhance local governance and service delivery, the ministry also plans to operationalise six administrative divisions in the region. A simultaneous crackdown on the sale of illicit brews and drugs is expected to address rising concerns over substance abuse, particularly among youth.