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Murkomen calls on Turkana and West Pokot leaders to maintain calm amid anti-banditry operation
02nd February, 2026 10:47 PM
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has called on leaders from Turkana and West Pokot counties to urge residents to remain calm as the government rolls out a comprehensive anti-banditry operation along the border of the two counties.
In a statement on Monday, February 2, 2026, Murkomen said the government has made significant progress in restoring peace and normalcy in many parts of the Kerio Valley region but noted that insecurity persists in some areas due to ongoing banditry and criminal activity.
“Today I toured Kainuk on the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties, where incidents of banditry have been witnessed in the recent past. We have made significant progress in restoring peace and normal life in many parts of the Kerio Valley region,” he stated.
He announced that the government is implementing a multi-agency security operation in the area, which will include the disarmament of illegal firearms, the apprehension of perpetrators, and action against individuals suspected of sponsoring criminal activities.
Murkomen warned politicians against making inflammatory statements that could heighten tensions during the operation, urging them instead to support peace efforts and cooperate with security agencies.
“As we work on this operation, I call on politicians from the two counties to desist from inflammatory statements and urge residents to remain calm.”
“With us were the Deputy Inspector General of Police (KPS) Eliud Lagat and senior security officials from Turkana and West Pokot counties.”
Kerio Valley
This comes a few months after Kerio Valley residents voluntarily surrendered 27 illegal firearms, including AK-47 and G3 rifles, to police in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In a statement on Thursday, September 25, the National Police Service (NPS) revealed that the firearms were handed over following cooperation from community members and Peace Committees from Ketut, Chemwonyo, Kibaimwa, Mon, Chesuman, Kaben, and Endo.
“The weapons have been taken into safe custody. This latest surrender brings the total number of firearms recovered under ‘Operation Rudisha Bunduki’ to 232, along with 1,595 rounds of ammunition,” read the statement in part.
The residents had earlier surrendered 22 illegal firearms.
Further, the NPS has hailed the initiative, commending local leaders, elders, and residents for demonstrating goodwill and prioritising security over conflict.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the amnesty by volunteering information and surrendering illegal arms.”
