The Government has intensified security operations in Samburu, Meru and Isiolo counties to curb banditry, cattle rustling and the illegal possession of firearms, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.
Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Murkomen said the security situation in the three counties had improved, although challenges persisted in areas affected by inter-community conflicts and livestock theft.
“Overall, the security situation in the affected areas has improved compared with previous periods,” Murkomen said, adding that insecurity continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and economic activities.
Between June and September 2026, security agencies recovered 3,221 livestock out of 4,306 reported stolen, while 2,395 illegal firearms were recovered in the affected areas between September 2025 and September 2026.
Murkomen said the Government had strengthened operations through the deployment of specialised security units, establishment of security camps and recruitment and training of National Police Reservists.
In Meru, he said, the Lii and Magado security camps had been established to help contain banditry and cattle rustling.
The CS attributed persistent insecurity to the proliferation of illegal firearms, retaliatory attacks, competition over water and pasture, and the availability of markets for stolen livestock.
He also cited poor road and communication networks, historical marginalisation and limited economic opportunities as factors complicating efforts to restore lasting peace.
Between June and September 2026, 14 fatalities and 17 injuries were reported across the affected region.
Murkomen also addressed the September 16 attack in Samburu that left five people dead, including two police officers, a National Police Reservist and two civilians.
He said security agencies had intensified follow-up operations and efforts to recover Government equipment reportedly stolen during the incident.
On reports of livestock allegedly killed or injured in Samburu, Murkomen said investigations had been ordered to establish what happened, noting that the reported figures and circumstances remained allegations pending verification.
The CS said security operations were being complemented by peacebuilding initiatives involving community elders, religious leaders, elected leaders and local peace committees.
“Security operations alone cannot provide a permanent solution to inter-community conflict,” he said, emphasising dialogue and cooperation between communities and security agencies.
Murkomen acknowledged that difficult terrain, inadequate roads, poor communication networks and limited resources continued to hamper security operations.
He said the Government was seeking additional budgetary support from Parliament to open and improve security roads, while plans were also underway to recruit additional National Police Reservists over the next six months.
The CS said the Government would continue combining security operations with peacebuilding and development interventions to address the underlying causes of insecurity and promote lasting stability in the affected counties.
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