State rolls out fresh security operation along Turkana–West Pokot border
- Created by Juma Namlola
- Roundup
CS Murkomen on Monday toured Kainuk, an area that has witnessed renewed insecurity in recent weeks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a renewed security operation along the Turkana–West Pokot border.
He has warned criminal groups that the government will not allow a return to banditry in the Kerio Valley region.
Speaking on Monday after touring Kainuk, an area that has witnessed renewed insecurity in recent weeks, Mr Murkomen said the State had made notable progress in restoring peace across much of Kerio Valley but acknowledged that pockets of banditry still persist.
“We have made significant progress in restoring peace and normal life in many parts of the Kerio Valley region,” the CS said.
“However, there are areas where we must do more to eradicate banditry and weed out criminal elements trying to take us back.”
Kainuk, which lies on the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties, has in the past been a flashpoint for bandit attacks, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence.
They have often been fuelled by the proliferation of illegal firearms and competition over grazing land and water.
Mr Murkomen said the government is rolling out a comprehensive security operation in the area that will include disarmament, the arrest of perpetrators and the pursuit of individuals suspected of financing or sponsoring bandit activities.
As part of the operation, security agencies will intensify patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordination between national and county security teams to prevent cross-border attacks.
The CS also issued a warning to political leaders, urging them to avoid statements that could inflame tensions.
“I call on politicians from the two counties to desist from inflammatory statements and urge residents to remain calm as security operations continue,” he said.
Over the past two years, the government has deployed multi-agency security teams across Kerio Valley, including the Kenya Defence Forces and specialised police units, leading to a reduction in attacks and the reopening of schools, roads and markets in previously volatile areas.
However, sporadic incidents have continued to be reported, prompting renewed calls for sustained operations and community cooperation to secure lasting peace.
Mr Murkomen was accompanied during the visit by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat and senior security officials from Turkana and West Pokot counties.
