Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja are set to be put to task by lawmakers as Parliament moves to confront a growing wave of insecurity marked by political clashes and recurring bandit attacks across several parts of the country.
The two security officials are expected before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security on April 20, where MPs want clear answers on the rise of organised youth groups allegedly used to disrupt political events, intimidate rivals, and provoke confrontation with security officers.
The committee is also demanding explanations over continued livestock raids that have left communities with heavy losses and deaths.
The meeting, scheduled for 10am in the Mini Chamber, comes after sustained pressure from legislators who want firm steps taken to restore order and stop violence spreading across different regions.
Committee chair Gabriel Tongoyo told Parliament that the matter will be handled in detail during the sitting and urged members to turn up for the session.
“I do not want to pre-empt the minister’s response, but I want to assure the country that security agencies are actively addressing the situation,” he said, pointing to improved calm in parts of the North Rift.
“While we remain seized of emerging concerns in Meru and other parts of the country, I wish to affirm that our state agencies are equal to the task. I urge Members of Parliament, particularly those available, to attend the session on Tuesday at 10am in the Mini Chamber to interrogate both the Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector-General of Police on these critical security issues.” Tongoyo said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed that Murkomen appears before the committee on Tuesday, adding that affected MPs will be allowed to present their grievances directly during the session.
He encouraged lawmakers from troubled regions to come prepared and give firsthand accounts of what their constituents are facing.
“So when the minister appears before you on Tuesday, members with issues, whether you are Samburu or Meru, go before the committee the minister will be in the mini chamber with the committee and prosecute your case,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.
In Parliament, concern was raised over a recent attack in Samburu County where armed raiders struck Lorian village, leaving one person dead and more than 700 livestock stolen.
Samburu County Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris said the attackers, suspected to have come from neighbouring Baringo County, carried out the raid on April 13.
“These incidents continue to disrupt livelihoods and heighten fear among communities,” she said, adding that the pattern of attacks has led to deaths, displacement, and destruction of property.
She demanded answers on how the incident happened, why security forces failed to intervene in time, and what is being done to track down the attackers and recover stolen animals. She also pushed for urgent protection of affected areas and long-term solutions to end cross-border cattle rustling.
Lawmakers from different regions painted a picture of continued insecurity despite ongoing security operations.
Turkana Central MP Namuar Emathe questioned the effectiveness of deployed security teams in volatile areas.
“Banditry is ongoing even when we have SOG on the ground… we are still experiencing death and loss of livelihood,” he said.
Igembe Central MP Daniel Karitho said rustlers are still operating across county lines despite intensified operations.
“We are told operations are ongoing, but rustlers cross from different counties, kill our people and steal animals. It appears as if someone is sleeping on the job,” he said.
Borabu MP Patrick Osero raised concern over lack of resources for the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, saying officers are forced to rely on external support to track stolen livestock.
“In my constituency, I had to hire vehicles for officers to track stolen animals. They are trained, but they are ill-equipped,” he said.
Samburu East MP Jackson Lekumontare said cattle rustling has become routine in some areas, with little recovery of stolen livestock or assistance to victims.
Debate also exposed divisions in the House over the origins of livestock theft and responsibility among communities.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood linked stolen animals in Meru to routes passing through Isiolo into Samburu, while Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri pointed to weak coordination between county leadership as a major gap.
However, Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli cautioned against blaming entire communities for the crisis.
“It is not good to profile one community… these thieves are from everywhere. Let the minister tell us why they are not being arrested,” he said.
Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow and Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo said similar losses are being recorded in their regions, stressing that the problem cuts across the country.
“This is not just a pastoralist issue, it is a national issue,” said Ms Jehow, revealing that her constituents had lost over 25 camels in just over a month.
Lawmakers ended the debate calling for stronger action from security agencies, saying repeated attacks and intelligence reports have not translated into arrests or lasting stability.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google