The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fully restore peace and stability in the Kerio Valley region, citing significant progress in ongoing security operations that have steadily reduced incidents of banditry and insecurity.
Speaking during a community empowerment programme at Emsea in Keiyo South Sub-County, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen said calm had gradually returned to the region, enabling residents to resume normal economic and social activities under enhanced security surveillance.
Murkomen noted that the government’s multi-agency security interventions had yielded positive results but cautioned that the gains could only be sustained through continued cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
He emphasised that the government’s security agenda extends beyond Kerio Valley to other insecurity-prone areas across the country, including parts of Samburu County, where some armed criminals are reportedly hiding in areas of Sarolipi and Mkokodo
“We do not want Kerio Valley alone to be safe. We want the whole country to be secure and free from banditry and criminal activities,” he stated.
The CS made a strong appeal to individuals still in possession of illegal firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the authorities without delay, warning that the government would firmly deal with those involved in the illegal arms trade.
“Those who are selling firearms and bullets, if we find you in any corner of the country, we will deal with you because we want our country to be safe,” he said.
Murkomen also placed individuals involved in the sale of illegal firearms and ammunition on notice, reiterating that the government would not relent in dismantling criminal networks threatening public safety and stability in the region.
By June Jebet and Rennish Okong’o
