Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, has affirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating development projects in Meru County, citing ongoing investments in security, roads, electricity connectivity and administrative services.
Speaking on Sunday at Athiru in Igembe Central during a fundraiser hosted by Rev. George Muthuri of Destiny Live Church, Murkomen said the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on ensuring residents benefit from improved infrastructure and enhanced security.
The event brought together Igembe North MP, Julius Taitumu, Meru Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, Igembe South MP, John Paul Mwirigi, nominated MP, Dorothy Muthoni and several MCAs from across Meru County.
Murkomen said the government is intensifying efforts to end insecurity in the Northern grazing zone covering parts of Meru, Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia counties.
He linked the persistent banditry attacks to the circulation of more than 3,000 illegal firearms in the northern region, saying most of the weapons enter the country through porous borders.
“The President promised to end banditry, and we are committed to that mission. We have invested in equipment, recruited more officers, improved communication networks and the government is working to establish security roads in the affected areas,” said Murkomen.
The CS added that public participation would soon be conducted on the proposed establishment of Kawiru Division as residents continue seeking improved administrative services.
He further announced plans to divide the expansive Laare Division to enhance service delivery and security coordination.
Murkomen revealed that the government plans to train 5,000 police officers in colleges located in Igembe North and recruit more National Police Reservists while removing those found collaborating with bandits.
He also urged residents to reject tribal politics and instead support development initiatives being rolled out by the government.
Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu said the region had continued to benefit from government development projects including roads and rural electrification.
He noted that Athiru had already received three transformers, with more expected under the last mile electricity connectivity programme.
Taitumu also pushed for the establishment of Kawiru Division, additional sub-locations and a fully-fledged police station to improve service delivery in the area.
The MP further called for justice following the killing of Igembe North boda boda rider Mutua Karuti.
Meru Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia called for increased security around Kiutine Farm, claiming the area had become a route used by criminals.
Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni thanked the government for reopening miraa transportation routes, saying the move had boosted the local economy.
She also noted a reduction in teenage pregnancies, attributing it to the vigilance of chiefs and local administrators.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei praised the government for initiating development projects in the region through leaders working with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi praised President William Ruto’s administration, saying development projects had reached every part of the country.
He cited the employment of teachers, the upgrading of Meru Level Five Hospital and the ongoing construction of Nithi Bridge as key achievements of the government.
Athiru Ruujine MCA, Julius Kabira, appealed for additional chiefs and sub-chiefs and noted that Murkomen was the first Interior CS to visit Athiru.
By Kamanja Maeria
