Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is set to convene a high-level security meeting in Kerio Valley on Monday, April 28, 2025, as the government intensifies efforts to restore lasting peace in the troubled region.
The meeting, which will be held at the Chesongoch Sisters Facility in Elgeyo Marakwet County, will bring together top security officials and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) from Marakwet East, Baringo West, Tiaty, Kerio Valley, and Pokot Central sub-counties.
Murkomen’s visit follows the continued progress of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), a multi-agency initiative launched in 2023 to flush out bandits and curb emerging crimes in the North Rift. Recent milestones, including the commissioning of OMU’s second command centre in Kirimon, Laikipia County, have enhanced the operation’s effectiveness, reopening schools, hospitals, and roads previously closed by insecurity.
A major focus of the Kerio Valley meeting will be reforms to the National Police Reservists (NPR) program. These include establishing a clearer chain of command, revetting officers, improving welfare and equipment, and launching a comprehensive retraining initiative. The government is also considering licensing Chiefs in high-risk areas to own firearms a move Murkomen has vocally supported to bolster community-level security.
Murkomen has further championed broader administrative reforms such as improved remuneration, a promotion scheme, and better kitting for police officers, Chiefs, and their assistants. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to ensure that wananchi can conduct their daily activities and educate their children without fear.
The meeting comes days after a bandit attack along the Nginyang-Marigat road in Baringo County left two people dead and another injured. The victims, escorting livestock under police protection, were ambushed by armed gunmen, highlighting the persistent threat in the region.
Despite such incidents, Murkomen remains resolute in dismantling cattle rustling networks, which he describes as organized criminal enterprises fueling poverty, displacement, and communal violence across Northern Kenya.
The Kerio Valley engagement follows successful Jukwaa La Usalama forums recently held in the Coast and Lower Eastern regions, signaling the government’s commitment to strengthening security across the country.
