Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned security officers against leaking sensitive operational information to bandits, saying those caught will be dismissed and prosecuted without hesitation.

Speaking at the Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner’s office in Iten during the Jukwaa La Usalama security tour, Murkomen said the government will not allow rogue individuals in the security sector to compromise its efforts to restore peace in bandit-prone regions.

He made it clear that betrayal from within the system is one of the biggest setbacks in the fight against insecurity.

“We have information that there are officers who have been leaking information to criminals. You must decide whether you are working for government or bandits,” he said on Friday.

 “If we find any officer working with bandits, they will be dismissed and charged in court,” he added.

The CS said he had given clear instructions to police commanders to deal with such officers firmly, and warned that those engaged in double-dealing would not be transferred to other stations, but instead removed from the service entirely.

Murkomen also said the government has mapped out all hideouts used by bandits and a tough security operation is underway to flush them out. He reiterated that the current campaign is different from past efforts and will not stop halfway.

“This time round, we are not going to withdraw and leave the job half-done. We have enough resources and support to wipe out criminal elements,” he said.

The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to ending the banditry menace and said communities in affected counties must cooperate with law enforcement and reject those shielding criminals.

“We are not negotiating with criminals. The time for warnings is over,” he said.

Murkomen further assured residents that development will follow once peace is restored, including infrastructure, schools, and job creation initiatives for the youth. He added that efforts are ongoing to improve the welfare of security personnel deployed in the region.

He was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Deputy Inspector General of Police - APS Gilbert Masengeli, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan, MPs Adams Kipsanai, Timothy Toroitich, Caroline Ngelechei, and senior county leaders.