Some police officers deployed to volatile regions in Kenya are allegedly helping supply firearms and ammunition to bandits, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

Murkomen said the illegal trade has taken root in areas under security operations, where accountability over bullets and guns has become nearly impossible. He pointed out that rogue officers are part of a dangerous network selling ammunition to criminals, worsening the already dire security situation.

“This is a fact because we also have rogue police officers and rogue government officials who are facilitators. Targeted intelligence-led investigations have seen a number of people being charged in court, and some have even been convicted or fired from government,” Murkomen on Saturday.

The CS was speaking in Kabarnet, Baringo County, during a press briefing at the County Commissioner’s office, ahead of the Jukwaa La Usalama meeting at the Baringo National Polytechnic.

He said the government cannot properly track the bullets used by officers during operations, allowing dishonest officers to exploit the gap for personal gain.

Murkomen explained that some officers lie about the number of bullets used during raids, especially in remote areas, and sell the excess to criminals.

“How will you account for that? If you have a rogue officer, they will always find a way of proving their claims. Some will tell you they used 1,000 bullets, and maybe they used only 50, then they sell the rest. Rogue officers will get away with it because where they operate is bush. You may not know the number of bullets they used,” he said.

Murkomen assured that security agencies are relying on intelligence reports and tips from residents to track down the officers involved.

“We will use intelligence-led reports to get those officers who are rogue, and civilians normally report the cases. When we find the suspects, the necessary legal processes are used to ensure they are dealt with,” he added.

The CS also warned that some civilians and local professionals have been caught selling firearms and ammunition.

He said he has personally cautioned individuals suspected of being part of the illegal trade, adding that such actions will not be tolerated.

“We do not want to encourage the selling of firearms in any part of our country, let alone this county,” he said.

According to Murkomen, some residents of areas affected by banditry are buying illegal guns in the name of self-defence, often influenced by local leaders. He strongly condemned this trend and urged the public to trust the government to restore security.

“The temptation usually comes in when a village has been attacked by bandits and the leaders incite the locals to procure guns in the name of defending themselves. I am discouraging that. I am very firm and ruthless, even in my own village,” said Murkomen.

He said residents should not take advantage of the security situation to arm themselves, warning that the government will act firmly to stop the spread of illegal guns.

“We will not accept that, and there is no justification to own an illegal gun. Let the government do its part, and if we have failed before, we have now come out to assure you that we will do everything possible to make sure the place is peaceful. I am not saying this for public relations but to restore sanity once and for all,” he added.

Murkomen also noted that the lack of security infrastructure has contributed to rising insecurity, especially in Tiaty Constituency.

He announced that seven new police stations will be built in the area, with four expected to be completed by December.

“We will set up seven police stations in the constituency to restore sanity, and four of them will be constructed before December. They will be set up in the far-flung areas. You can imagine Silale Ward, which is claimed to be harbouring criminals but has no police station,” he said.