Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced fresh steps to tighten control over County Rangers across the country after concerns were raised that some officers have used their firearms to commit illegal acts, as the government steps up security efforts in Narok County.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 23, Murkomen said the government would take firm action to restore calm in affected areas and stem the spread of illegal weapons among civilians, insisting that insecurity would not be allowed to take root anywhere in the country.
“No part of our country shall be allowed to slide into lawlessness under the watch of the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Murkomen said.
He said the government had taken note of reports linking some County Rangers to unlawful activities involving firearms and announced plans to bring them under stricter oversight.
“We are also aware of instances where County Rangers have misused firearms to carry out unlawful activities. I will issue a policy directive to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all rangers in the country are vetted afresh, operate under a clear reporting structure, and remain fully accountable to the National Police Service,” he said.
The Interior CS revealed that he had met National Government Administrative Officers and security officials in Siteti, Trans Mara South Sub-County, to align security operations and ensure displaced families are able to return to their homes as soon as possible.
He also ordered civilians in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West and Emurua Dikirr constituencies to immediately hand over all illegal firearms in their possession, warning that those dealing in illegal weapons would face firm action.
“To achieve sustainable peace in the region, all illegal firearms in civilian hands in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West, and Emurua Dikirr constituencies must be surrendered to the government without delay. Those involved in the sale of illegal firearms and ammunition will face decisive action,” Murkomen stated.
According to the CS, directives from President William Ruto had already led to the surrender of five firearms and fourteen rounds of ammunition by civilians. He said the figure remained low compared to estimates that the area could be holding close to 100 illegal weapons.
“This, however, is only a drop in the ocean, given that the area is estimated to have close to 100 illegal firearms. Our security agencies have been given firm instructions to mop up all remaining illegal weapons,” he said.
The renewed focus on security comes amid ongoing tension in Narok County. On Monday, December 22, Murkomen declared parts of Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South security-disturbed and dangerous areas for 30 days.
He said the declaration was intended to allow authorities to intensify security operations and strengthen peace initiatives in the region.
“This declaration will allow security operations to be scaled up and peace-building interventions to be rolled out in earnest,” he said.
Murkomen further announced the enforcement of a dawn-to-dusk curfew and an increase in security deployments. He said the situation was improving as the government continued talks with community leaders and security teams to deal with the causes of the unrest.
“A dawn-to-dusk curfew is already in force, and security presence in the affected areas has been significantly enhanced. Calm is gradually returning, even as we continue engaging local leaders and security stakeholders to address the root causes of the discord,” he said.
