Land disputes, drugs and political gangs top security threats, says Interior CS Murkomen

Citizen security platforms have flagged wide proliferation of illicit drugs, land conflicts, political gangs and human trafficking as their top security concerns, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Speaking in Nakuru as he marked the 28th security and service delivery tour of the counties, the minister said the tours have been an eye-opener to the extent of the security challenges.

He said the full report of Jukwaa la Usalama forums, once all 47 counties are covered, would be a policy document for needed structural changes. Already the tours have resulted in operational shifts.

“Already, the Kerio Valley belt-Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Laikipia, which had serious security challenges, have seen banditry drop by more than 70 per cent,” Murkomen said.

“The tours have also energised our security agencies and focused our attention. Everywhere we have been, major crackdowns have followed. You have seen cannabis seizures across the country,” the CS said.

He continued, “It is unfortunate we have reached a state of near-normalisation of consumption of cannabis. This cannot be allowed to go on. A multi-agency operation is underway to bring traffickers to book.”

Regarding increasing cases of child trafficking and defilement, Murkomen said the government is strengthening the Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s anti-narcotics unit to tackle human trafficking, sexual violence and drug abuse.

He said the government was committed to protecting children and confirmed that newly recruited police officers will be deployed to reinforce the unit.

He said Nakuru was not spared land-related security challenges. Illegal occupation is rife in Gilgil, Naivasha, Njoro, Rongai and Subukia subcounties.

“I challenge Kenyans to take the safest route to resolving disputes, the one that has nothing to do with violence,” Murkomen said

The CS warned political gangs across the country, saying they will be dealt with firmly together with their politician sponsors.

“Our security teams have managed to tame gangs in this county. But more needs to be done to stamp them out completely. In some parts it has even affected school attendance. We can’t allow this.”

Election time is expected to give rise to more gang activity, typically instigated and paid for by politicians.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Deputy Inspector General (Administration Police Service) Gilbert Masengeli and MPs accompanied the CS.

Murkomen said the government has put in place mechanisms to ensure Kenya is not in breach of the Confederation of African Football rules during the ongoing African Nations Championships.

He said the National Police Service would strictly enforce the penalties already meted out.

“Kenyans are a very important part of the game. I implore them to go to the stadium only if they have tickets,” the CS said.

He urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to work with the Sports ministry to erect screens in strategic places for fans to follow upcoming games.