Interior CS targets elite suspects fueling arms trade, promises swift arrests in border security sweep
KAPENGURIA — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a sweeping crackdown targeting individuals believed to be smuggling firearms into Kerio Valley. Speaking during a security tour in West Pokot County, Murkomen issued a sharp warning to those exploiting porous borders to fuel violence in the region.
“We have a challenge with our porous borders both locally and with neighboring nations. The small routes are accessed by criminals, and this leads to the proliferation of small arms,” Murkomen told reporters in Kapenguria on Wednesday.
According to Murkomen, investigations are already underway against influential figures suspected of supplying weapons to local militias. He stressed that no one, regardless of social status or political connections, will be spared if found culpable.
“Those hiding in suits, we are monitoring you. You are on our radar and very soon you will be arrested,” he said, signaling that elite individuals disguised as respectable citizens are behind some of the illegal trade.
The Cabinet Secretary was in Kapenguria for the 16th edition of the government’s Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forum. After a closed-door briefing with security officials, Murkomen pledged that the government would restore peace to the region and punish those undermining national security efforts.
“These criminals need to behave. No one should think they’re clever for buying guns and selling them to our young people just to make money,” he said. “The consequences will be extremely dire. It’s like the saying, ‘when you rattle a snake…’”
CS Murkomen said the National Police Service and other investigative agencies are actively pursuing suspects. “We will soon be picking people from their homes,” he added.
The CS also raised concern over the flow of contraband goods into the country, which he said contributes to youth delinquency and economic harm. He cited the sale of illegal alcohol and low-quality products as a growing threat. “People are buying substandard goods and not paying taxes. Contraband goods from neighboring countries are hurting our people, especially the youth. Drugs and cheap alcohol are packed and sold to unsuspecting clients,” CS Murkomen said.
CS Murkomen’s announcement comes amid rising insecurity in parts of the Rift Valley, where armed banditry and inter-community violence have disrupted lives and forced internal displacements. Authorities say the easy availability of illegal firearms is a major driver of the conflict.
The Interior Ministry is now counting on joint operations, cross-border surveillance, and legal action to suppress the illegal arms trade and stabilize the region.
About the Author
