Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has put bandits and their financiers on notice, declaring that the government has identified those behind the persistent attacks in northern Kenya and is moving to dismantle their networks through a new security operation.
Addressing residents in Lolmolok, Suguta Ward, Samburu County on Thursday, July 9, Murkomen said the renewed operation will target criminal elements operating in Samburu, West Pokot, Tiaty and Isiolo. He said security agencies have gathered intelligence on those organising and supporting the attacks, warning that none of them will escape the law.
"We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the operation, which will be led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, is aimed at restoring security, enabling displaced families to return to their homes and creating lasting peace in the troubled region.
Murkomen urged residents still holding illegal firearms to hand them over voluntarily before security officers begin a full-scale crackdown.
"What we did in other parts of Kerio Valley is what we are going to do here until this area is peaceful," he said.
He said the government will also strengthen local security by recruiting more National Police Reservists (NPSs) after carrying out a vetting exercise. At the same time, it plans to improve infrastructure by constructing security installations, expanding road networks and increasing mobile network coverage to improve access and government presence.
“We will vet the National Police Reservists in the area and increase their number even as we build roads, security installations and mobile network coverage,” he said.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja (left) CS Kipchumba Murkomen and DIG Gilbert Masengeli in Samburu on July 9, 2026.
PHOTO/MINA
Earlier, Murkomen met leaders and security officials in Lolmolok, where he appealed to those still in possession of illegal firearms in Samburu and the neighbouring counties of Baringo and Isiolo to surrender them before security agencies move in.
He said the government is stepping up its disarmament campaign while pursuing those involved in criminal activities and the people supporting them.
“We are also recovering stolen livestock and opening up the area through the development of critical infrastructure, including security roads and expanded network coverage," he said.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Johana Tonui and other senior government officials.
Also present were Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Samburu North MP Eli Letipila, former Governor Moses Lenolkulal and Members of the County Assembly led by Suguta Ward MCA James Leleruk.