Facts don’t lie, security is improving – CS Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the government’s record on security since he took charge of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, citing tangible improvements.

In response to criticism regarding his management of security issues, Murkomen asserts that all available data indicates an improving security situation in most parts of the country, particularly in areas prone to bandit attacks.

“Mkiniona, mnaona kama mimi ni mtu wa kucheza na mambo ya banditry? Forget about these stories watu wanaandika sijui ooh Kipchumba hii, Kipchumba hiyo. Give us the statistics and the numbers,” he stated.

“Nimekuwa waziri wa usalama 5 months pekee. In the first three months, tumepunguza mambo ya banditry. Sio kwa sababu Kipchumba amefanya kazi, and I know I will not even be given credit. It’s because there are men and women, police officers mpaka NPR, wenye wamejitolea na wako kwa ground and we support them,” the CS explained.

According to Murkomen, the 2025 quarter one security report confirms this with numbers indicating a significant decrease in cases of banditry and stock theft.

He pointed out that between January and March 2025, deaths from banditry dropped significantly to 21, down from 58 during the same period in 2024. He said reported stock theft cases also fell from 263 to 167, while livestock thefts decreased from 8,557 to 4,935 over the same periods.

“I have very clear instructions from the President, and I know where we are going,” said the CS.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that, under his leadership, security agencies will have the necessary support to eliminate cattle rustling.

“Tuko kwa kauli ya mwisho ya kumalizana na mambo ya banditry. Tukiingia serikalini, Laikipia, Baringo South na sehemu nyingi ya Kerio Valley watoto hawakuwa wanaenda shule. Sehemu nyingi kulikuwa na shida kubwa sana,” he said.

He also reiterated his belief that certain individuals have been profiting from insecurity in specific areas of the country, contributing to long-standing security challenges. He warned that this will not be tolerated.

“Naelewa mambo ya banditry sana. Nili-grow up tukiwa na hii mambo ya bundiki. That’s why ukiona napiga kelele, I am speaking from experience. I don’t support arming of any community no matter the challenges the people face because we want to sort out the problems of Kerio Valley,” he stated, urging leaders to support efforts aimed at fostering peace.