The government has intensified its crackdown on criminal elements in Kenya’s troubled regions with the establishment of a second command center in Laikipia County. The center, situated in Kirimon, will serve Samburu, Laikipia, and parts of Baringo, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo counties. This move aims to bolster security operations and curb rising criminal activities, particularly in the Mukogodo Forest area.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement on Thursday, declaring that the government will relentlessly pursue criminals hiding in Mukogodo Forest. “With immediate effect, we will flush out criminals who have turned the Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia County into a center for plotting criminal activities in the area,” vowed Murkomen.
The new command center will work in tandem with the first one located in Chemolingot, Baringo County, which serves Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Turkana counties. Both centers will be coordinated under one command to enhance operational efficiency and response to security threats in the region.
Murkomen emphasized the progress made under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in restoring peace in the North Rift region. “Two years on, Operation Maliza Uhalifu has been successful in bringing peace to most parts of Kerio Valley save for a few trouble spots,” he stated. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing affected areas and eliminating criminal elements.
The CS further assured residents that targeted operations would be mounted to address any remaining security threats. “We shall also mount targeted operations in the remaining disturbed areas in the region. We’re leaving no room for criminals to inflict terror on any community or to deprive them of their property,” he committed.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DIG KPS Eliud Lagat, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, as well as senior commanders and top security officers from Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo counties. Their presence underscored the government’s unwavering resolve to restore peace and stability in the region.
With the establishment of this second command center, the government is reinforcing its stance against crime, ensuring that communities in the affected areas can live in peace and security.
