Bold shift from tradition as Murkomen puts police welfare at the heart of banditry war
In a bold, decisive manoeuvre that shatters the long-standing neglect of police officers’ welfare, Ministry of Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu Two (OMU Two) in security meeting at Kirimon, Laikipia County, with a firm focus on the welfare, mental health and support of law enforcement officers.
Underscoring the critical link between operational readiness and police welfare, the Cabinet Secretary declared an end to the era of sidelining officers’ well-being.
He affirmed that resilience, mental stamina, and robust logistical support are now core components of the tactical strategy in the frontline assault against criminal elements wreaking havoc, causing loss of life and sabotaging economic stability.
Accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and top security officials from Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties, the interior CS, emphasized that the well-being of security forces is not a secondary concern, but a fundamental pillar of national security.
“Police welfare and mental health is the foundation of national security. We are also investing in aerial surveillance technology, night vision equipment, offensive and protective equipment,” he noted
The renewed focus on resourcing police welfare complements an earlier initiative by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who in November 2024 activated a dedicated counselling facility under the Directorate of Chaplaincy and Counselling.
The facility provides professional mental health services, with support from medical institutions for officers involved in high-risk deployments.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary reiterated that strengthening and properly equipping security forces remains a key part of the government’s strategy to combat insecurity in volatile regions.
In his remarks, the CS noted that the ministry is restructuring the distribution of essential resources and equipment, with a special focus on areas under active operations.
He added that the reforms also aim to streamline the command structure of the National Police Reservists (NPRs), amid growing concerns over their misuse by political actors.
He further issued a stern warning to politicians fueling insecurity and exploiting NPRs for personal or political gain.
He emphasised that both NPRs and rangers are under the authority of national security agencies, not individual politicians and warned that any such misuse would be met with legal consequences.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu has done tremendous work and commendable progress. Peace and normalcy has been restored in many areas and economic activities have resumed. Children are going back to school and locals are going about their business expect the one disturbed area that our security agencies are pacifying”.
The launch of OMU Two, operating from the newly established Kirimon command centre, marks an escalation in the government’s efforts to eliminate armed criminals and restore peace across Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and parts of Meru counties.
Working alongside the existing OMU One base in Chemolingot, Baringo County, the new center expands the reach and coordination of the multi-agency joint operation.
“We still have a problem in Mukokodo forest, parts of Samburu East and Maralal. We are enhancing our operations to restore peace. We are carrying out a one-off operation to flush out the criminals,” he said.
The initiative, led by the National Police Service and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), targets insecurity in the broader North Rift region, including Laikipia, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet , Baringo and West Pokot, counties, in close coordination with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), National Police Reservists (NPRs), and Rangers.
“There is one area that is disturbed in Baringo county that we are dealing with and already stolen livestock has already been recovered. said CS Murkomen.
“We are separating command centres. We are setting a new command center at Kirimon, it will complement Chemalingot base in Operation Maliza Uhalifu, because still have a problem in Mukokodo forest, parts of Samburu East and Maralal.”
The Interior CS emphasised that the operational efficiency of OMU Two is critical to its success, particularly in responding to emerging security threats that continue to spill over into neighbouring counties.