Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to those financing criminal gangs in the coastal region of Kenya. During a visit to Mombasa, Murkomen announced that anyone found guilty of funding such gangs would face arrest and prosecution. This comes after the government successfully apprehended hundreds of members of the notorious Panga Boys, a local criminal group, in a large-scale operation led by the National Police Service.
Murkomen’s remarks were made during his participation in a security consultative meeting in Mombasa, where he emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the region. He credited the success of the operation to the strong cooperation between local leaders and security agencies, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in the fight against crime.
As part of the broader effort to enhance security, Murkomen revealed plans to implement a policy aimed at rewarding high-performing security officers. The initiative will include measures to improve the remuneration, promotion, and welfare of chiefs and other administrative officers, with a particular focus on those who perform well in maintaining law and order. However, he warned that underperforming officers would be relieved of their duties, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that only capable individuals serve in security roles.
In addition to this, Murkomen outlined plans to recruit 10,000 new police officers in the upcoming financial year to further strengthen security in the country. This recruitment drive is part of a larger strategy to bolster the country’s law enforcement capabilities and address the growing challenges posed by criminal gangs and other security threats.
Murkomen’s visit also served as a platform for engaging with local leaders and security teams at both the regional and county levels. He held a town hall meeting at the Kenya Maritime Authority Amphitheatre, where he engaged with elected officials, peace committees, and representatives from security agencies. The goal of the meeting was to discuss strategies for improving security, promoting peace, and fostering social cohesion among the people of Mombasa.
Another key area of focus during the consultative meeting was the issue of drug and substance abuse among the youth in Mombasa. Murkomen urged local leaders to complement government efforts in tackling this pressing issue, noting that it posed a significant threat to the well-being of the community. He emphasized the need for a united front in combating this problem and providing the youth with the support they need to avoid falling into destructive habits.
Furthermore, Murkomen praised the media for its role in promoting security and national unity. He expressed his intention to engage more with members of the press to ensure that they continue to play an active role in shaping the national conversation around security.
Murkomen’s visit is part of the ongoing “Jukwaa la Usalama” County Tours, which aim to assess the security situation in various regions of the country. His week-long tour, which started on April 7, 2025, is also focused on evaluating the region’s disaster preparedness in the face of increasing climate change-related risks. The tour is expected to provide valuable feedback from local communities, as Murkomen plans to interact directly with residents to understand their concerns regarding government services and security.
This visit marks Murkomen’s first major tour since his appointment as Interior Cabinet Secretary following a reshuffle by President William Ruto. The broader objective of the tour is to foster peace, unity, and collaboration in tackling the security challenges facing the country, while also addressing the critical issue of climate change resilience.
