By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, July 9 , 2026 - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a fresh security crackdown targeting the remaining pockets of banditry in Samburu County and neighbouring regions, warning illegal firearm holders to surrender their weapons or face forceful disarmament.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with local leaders and security stakeholders at Lolmolok in Suguta, Samburu County, Murkomen said the government was intensifying efforts to restore lasting peace in the bandit-prone region.
He urged residents still in possession of illegal firearms in Samburu, Baringo and Isiolo counties to voluntarily surrender them before security agencies launch renewed operations.
"I call upon those who have not surrendered their arms in Samburu and the neighbouring counties of Baringo and Isiolo to do so voluntarily before we go for them," Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary announced a raft of measures aimed at eliminating banditry, including the vetting of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to enhance accountability and the recruitment of additional reservists to strengthen local security operations.
He said the government would also invest in infrastructure to support security operations, including the construction of roads, establishment of additional security installations and expansion of mobile network coverage in remote areas.
Murkomen noted that improved infrastructure would enable faster deployment of security personnel, enhance surveillance and improve communication in areas that have long been exploited by armed criminals.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, General Service Unit 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.
The government has sustained a multi-agency operation against banditry in parts of the North Rift and northern Kenya since early 2023, targeting criminal networks operating in Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia and Isiolo counties.
The operations have led to the recovery of hundreds of illegal firearms and livestock, reopening of schools and roads that had been affected by insecurity, and the return of many displaced families.
However, isolated attacks by armed bandits continue to be reported in some areas, prompting the government to maintain security operations while pursuing long-term interventions such as infrastructure development, improved communication networks and community policing to achieve lasting peace.
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