Chiefs in five counties to be armed in fight against banditry

In a bold move to combat rampant livestock theft in Kenya's volatile regions, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that chiefs in five counties prone to banditry will be armed to defend themselves against the escalating menace.

The counties include Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, and Samburu, where livestock rustling has become a major security challenge.

Murkomen on Wednesday revealed that chiefs in these areas will not only be registered but also trained in the use of firearms.

They will receive guns to bolster their personal safety and enhance their capacity to combat the growing threat of cattle rustlers.

This initiative is part of a larger government strategy aimed at strengthening security and reducing violence in the affected regions.

The announcement came after a security meeting in Isiolo, where Murkomen met with law enforcement teams from the affected counties.

The meeting focused on finding lasting solutions to the persistent problem of livestock theft.

Murkomen expressed confidence that this move would empower chiefs, who often know the rustlers within their communities but are too fearful to act due to the lack of proper security.

“We’ve come to understand the problem and find a lasting solution,” Murkomen said, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling the root causes of insecurity in these areas," he said.

As part of the plan, chiefs operating in high-risk areas will be equipped with firearms, alongside National Police Reservists (NPR), to ensure they can defend themselves against attackers.

Chiefs who are at risk have been urged to submit their names to the authorities so they can undergo training and receive firearms.

"Chiefs at risk should submit their names. We’ll train them on firearm use and issue them with guns and NPR officers so they can defend themselves," Murkomen stated, adding that the selection of NPR officers would be carried out with public involvement to ensure accountability, without political interference.

The government also intends to launch a comprehensive crackdown on individuals involved in livestock theft.

Murkomen emphasized that the operation would target not only the bandits but also those involved in the trade of stolen livestock and the illegal supply of firearms.

This includes rogue police officers who may be complicit in the illegal trade.

"We’ll pursue not only the bandits, but also those buying the livestock and selling guns, whether it’s police or anyone else," Murkomen warned, reinforcing the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption within law enforcement agencies.

In addition to tackling the bandits, Murkomen condemned the interference of political leaders in police operations, citing recent confrontations between political figures and security officers.

He pointed to incidents involving Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, who were involved in public altercations with law enforcement over ongoing security operations.

"You have my unwavering support as you do your job. Police officers are trained on how to use the gun, and very few can be accused of misusing their weapons," Murkomen said, offering his full backing to the police and urging political leaders to respect law enforcement efforts.

Murkomen also addressed the issue of armed protests, cautioning Kenyans against provoking police officers during demonstrations.

He emphasized that the government would not tolerate armed protests, urging citizens to follow lawful channels when seeking redress.

"As long as I am Interior CS, I will defend our officers and demand they be respected," he stated, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that police officers are supported in their efforts to maintain law and order.

Furthermore, Murkomen clarified that officers who use their weapons in self-defense would be protected, but those who abuse their powers would face legal consequences.

He reiterated the importance of citizens using appropriate legal channels to address any grievances against the police.

The CS stressed the need for greater collaboration between government officials, law enforcement, and local communities to recover stolen animals and apprehend criminals.

He also addressed the challenges faced by chiefs who are torn between serving the government and protecting their communities, urging them to work together to eliminate banditry.

"We must all work as a team, irrespective of our boundaries, to end banditry," Murkomen said, reinforcing the importance of unity in tackling the ongoing security challenges.

In conclusion, Murkomen reiterated that the recruitment of NPR officers would be free from political influence, warning against the growing problem of loyalty to political leaders or clan affiliations rather than the police service.

The CS directed security teams to investigate and dismantle criminal networks that profit from stolen livestock and the illegal trade in firearms.