Murkomen: We will issue firearms to chiefs and sub-chiefs
By David Nthua, September 23, 2025Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) in North Eastern and other volatile regions will be armed.
Speaking at the Jukwaa La Usalama Wajir Chapter on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Murkomen stated that chiefs and assistant chiefs face numerous dangers that require direct intervention.
Murkomen explained that the government has resolved to provide firearms to protect the administrators from threats posed by terrorist groups, bandits, and rival clan conflicts.
He said the move is aimed at strengthening grassroots security structures across the country.
This comes days after he issued directives on the responsible use of firearms by security officers.
“Because of similar problems that chiefs and assistant chiefs face in some parts of the country, such as threats from al Shabab, rival clans and banditry, we will issue them with firearms for their safety,” Murkomen said.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns that administrators stationed in insecure regions remain easy targets for armed criminals.
Chiefs and sub-chiefs have often been caught in the middle of inter-clan violence, banditry raids, and militant attacks.
Moreover, the Interior Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the government would also ensure adequate training before the issuance of weapons.
He said the state will not only provide firearms but also build the capacity of officers to manage emerging threats responsibly.
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Fighting al Shabaab
“The current administration has advanced a comprehensive modernisation program, which has significantly enhanced the capacity of our officers by equipping them with modern technology, protective gear, vehicles, and advanced weaponry that give them an edge over adversaries,” Murkomen said on the war on Alshabaab.
He said that the security forces now have the upper hand in combating al-Shabaab militants operating across the border.
The CS had earlier asserted the government’s unwavering commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab.
According to Murkomen, police officers have been fully empowered and supported to maintain stability in areas most affected by terror attacks.
Additionally, he assured Kenyans that recent coordinated operations in North Eastern and coastal counties have successfully dismantled terror cells.
All the same, he urged communities to work closely with security agencies by sharing intelligence.
The directive to arm chiefs and assistant chiefs is expected to spark debate across the country.
However, Murkomen maintained that the safety of local administrators remains a top priority for the government,