Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has noted that Migori remains a strategic security region in the country.
Murkomen, who began his Nyanza region Jukwaa La Usalama tours, said that the county’s international borders, both at sea and land, with Tanzania and Uganda, pose a security challenge for multiple agencies.
He stated that cross-border business has led to the creation of illegal activities and the smuggling of goods, posing a security challenge and resulting in a loss of the country’s revenue.
On the issue of Angata Baragoi land conflict among the communities of Kuria living in Migori County and the Kipsigis and Maasai from Narok County, Murkomen expounded that the security committees between the two counties were working hard to solve the land problem through the formation of a peaceful alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
He urged the affected communities along Angata-Baragoi to remain patient as the government pursues amicable solutions
Theft of livestock has also been a challenge along these county borders that has extended to the borders of Kenya and the Republic of Tanzania.
The CS also cautioned goons and criminal groups terrorising the county, especially in the Kuria region, that the security agency will not spare anyone caught in criminal activities.
He advised the youths being used by politicians to cause havoc in barazas, funerals and functions to engage in constructive work to uplift their social and economic life.
“We will ensure more patrols, especially at night and in hotspot areas, to reduce criminal activities to make our society a better place to live in”, said the CS.
On Lake Victoria border security, the official acknowledged that the government will increase the Coast Guard patrol as well as equip them with modern technologies and equipment to provide the necessary assistance to fishermen.
He also said that the joint fishing agreement signed between Kenya and Uganda will help to solve some of the challenges facing the fishing community of both countries, especially in the security sector.
Jukwaa La Usalama tours across the counties will ensure the CS meet the county and regional security teams before engaging members of the public, leaders, administration and security agencies on strategies to resolve security challenges and ramp up service delivery.
The result of the Jukwaa La Usalama tours across the 47 counties will then be operationalised and policy changes discussed, geared towards realising improved security and service delivery to all Kenyans.
The CS will also visit Kisii on Friday before touring Nyamira, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu the following week.
By Makokha Khaoya & Awour Andy
