By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 25 December 2025 - As Kenyans start the festive season, the government has reassured the public of enhanced security measures, with key officials emphasizing ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and other forms of crime.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking during a security assessment tour of the North Rift region, highlighted the progress made in curbing criminal activity in areas such as the Kerio Valley.
Murkomen noted that a significant number of former bandits have been successfully enrolled in rehabilitation programs, where they are being trained in alternative livelihoods.
“The government is not only enforcing the law but also investing in rehabilitation and reintegration, ensuring that former offenders have opportunities to contribute positively to society,” he said.
The CS, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli, assured citizens that security agencies are well-prepared to prevent any form of insecurity during the holiday period.
Adding weight to Murkomen’s assurances, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo echoed the government’s commitment to protecting the public.
Dr Omollo emphasised that the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local authorities have strengthened security operations in the North Rift region and beyond.
“Our security agencies are alert, proactive, and ready to respond to any threats,” Omollo said, noting that intelligence-led operations have contributed to a decline in banditry incidents in several high-risk areas.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also reinforced these assurances, particularly addressing rising concerns over child disappearances in Langas, where more than 15 children have reportedly gone missing this year.
IG Kanja urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue, emphasizing that the police are leaving no stone unturned.
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“We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. Our teams are working around the clock to investigate these cases and protect the community,” he stated.
The officials’ tour of the North Rift was designed not only to assess the current security situation but also to strengthen coordination between national and local security agencies.
The government is increasingly adopting a two-pronged approach whereby it is combining strict law enforcement with rehabilitative and preventive strategies.
He addressed the root causes of criminality, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, authorities aim to reduce the cycle of crime that has plagued regions like the Kerio Valley for years.
Despite these reassurances, child safety remains a pressing concern.
Communities in Langas and surrounding areas continue to call for increased patrols, faster investigations, and more robust community policing initiatives.
The involvement of high-level officials in these matters, however, signals that the government is taking these concerns seriously and seeks to build public confidence ahead of the festive season.
As Kenyans celebrate the festivities, the message from Murkomen, Omollo, and Kanja is that security agencies are alert, rehabilitation efforts are underway, and the government is committed to safeguarding citizens.
While challenges remain, the coordinated approach reflects a broader strategy to create safer communities through both enforcement and long-term social interventions.
