Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a seven-day ultimatum to individuals in possession of illegal firearms in Ang’ata Barrikoi and neighbouring areas of Migori East to surrender the weapons to the government or face the full force of the law.
Speaking during a security meeting at Ngetalel and Kapusa areas in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Transmara South, Murkomen said the government had launched a disarmament exercise aimed at restoring peace and ending insecurity that has for years affected residents of Narok and Migori counties.
The Cabinet Secretary said illegal firearms had contributed to cattle rustling, banditry, violent attacks and persistent insecurity that had disrupted livelihoods and threatened peaceful coexistence among communities living along the border of the two counties.
“We are giving those in possession of illegal firearms seven days to surrender them voluntarily. After that, security agencies will conduct a comprehensive operation to recover the weapons and those found in possession of them will face the law,” said Murkomen.
He noted that the illegal guns had been used by criminal elements to terrorize residents, facilitate livestock theft and fuel conflicts in the region, making disarmament necessary to restore law and order.
Murkomen also took the opportunity to apologize to residents over the recent security operation that allegedly led to the destruction of property and looting of shops and household goods in Ngetalel village.
In a rare public admission, the Cabinet Secretary pleaded for forgiveness from the affected residents, acknowledging the pain and losses suffered during the operation.
“I ask for forgiveness from the people who suffered losses during the operation. The government regrets the destruction of property and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he said.
The CS warned that security officers or any other individuals found responsible for the destruction of property would be held accountable.
“Those officers who were behind the destruction of property in Ang’ata Barrikoi will face justice. We are not going to allow this kind of impunity. The government is watching and action will be taken against anyone involved in destroying people’s property,” he said.
Murkomen emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
“This must stop. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The government is here to protect lives and property. Anyone found culpable, whether police officers or civilians, will face the full force of the law,” he added.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu supported the government’s disarmament exercise, saying restoring security was essential for peaceful coexistence and economic development in the region.
The governor pledged county government support to families that lost livestock during the security operation and announced that affected residents whose more than 80 animals were lost would be compensated.
Ntutu called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina and Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli also backed the disarmament exercise, urging the government to conduct a thorough security operation to eliminate criminal elements and restore lasting peace in the area.
The leaders further called for justice and accountability, insisting that politicians and individuals found to have contributed to insecurity should face legal action.
The latest government intervention follows recent unrest in Ang’ata Barrikoi that resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and heightened tensions among residents.
The area has experienced recurring conflicts largely linked to boundary disputes, land ownership disagreements and insecurity along the Narok-Migori border.
Tensions escalated during recent security operations aimed at restoring order and recovering illegal firearms, with residents accusing some security officers of raiding homes, looting shops and destroying household property.
The allegations sparked public outrage and prompted demands for investigations, compensation for affected families and accountability for those responsible.
Murkomen assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged them to remain peaceful as the government works to restore normalcy.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and ensuring those responsible for criminal acts or destruction of property are brought to justice.
by Jeremiah Juma and Emily Kadzo
