Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will swiftly commence a security operation to recover illegal firearms and flush out bandits in Isiolo, Laikipia, and parts of Meru counties.
Speaking after a meeting with county security teams, peace committees, and political leaders in Isiolo town today, CS Murkomen said the operation follows incidents of insecurity witnessed in the area in the recent past.
He said that the government would immediately roll out a comprehensive multi-agency security operation in Isiolo County and surrounding regions.
He added that the operation would focus on dismantling criminal networks involved in cattle rustling, disrupting supply chains that enable banditry, and taking decisive action against individuals engaged in the illegal sale of ammunition.
Murkomen criticized the police for complacency and poor coordination in addressing banditry and tracking down criminals.
He said the government would now move to identify and address gaps that have been observed in police operations.
The Cabinet Secretary further directed all law-abiding citizens currently residing in Mokogondo Forest in Laikipia County to vacate the area with immediate effect to facilitate security operations.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring long-term stability in the affected regions.
The CS also directed chiefs to convene barazas with local communities to account for all people and livestock moving into their areas due to the ongoing drought.
He emphasised the need to ensure adherence to existing grazing agreements and to monitor the activities of those migrating with their animals.
Leaders from Isiolo County expressed support for the targeted multi-agency operation, with the Isiolo Governor further urging the CS to ignore politicians attempting to politicise security matters, while Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya also voiced their support for the operation to proceed as planned.
The meeting came amid rising violence, with at least three people killed and five others injured in residential estates around Isiolo town over the past eight days.
By David Nduro
