Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaking at Cheptebo in Elgeyo Marakwet on February 1, 2026./HANDOUT

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a security tour of the Kerio Valley region, pledging intensified action to eradicate banditry in affected parts of the country.

Speaking at Cheptebo in Elgeyo-Marakwet County on Sunday, Murkomen said the government would extend the disarmament strategy that has shown success in the region to other insecurity-prone areas, including Turkana, Laikipia, and Isiolo counties.

“During my tour of the region, which will also take me to West Pokot, Turkana, Laikipia, Isiolo and Meru, I will assess the security situation and engage security agencies and residents on ways of eliminating the remaining acts of banditry,” Murkomen said.

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Treasury PS Dr Chris Kiptoo with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen consult at Cheptebo in Elgeyo Marakwet on February 1, 2026./HANDOUT
He expressed confidence that the interventions applied in Elgeyo-Marakwet and neighbouring Baringo County would yield similar results elsewhere.

“We will not rest until banditry is wiped out completely so that these regions can enjoy peace and development,” he added.

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The CS commended residents of the Kerio Valley for cooperating with security agencies and voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms, noting that more than 1,200 weapons have so far been collected across the region.

“I want to thank those who have responded to our call to surrender illegal firearms voluntarily. This cooperation is critical to sustaining peace,” he said.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen with Elegeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich at Cheptebo in Elgeyo Marakwet on February 1, 2026./HANDOUT
Murkomen also praised the Church for its role in supporting government-led disarmament efforts and the rehabilitation of reformed bandits in Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.

He announced plans to scale up rehabilitation programmes through skills training, saying reformed bandits would be enrolled in colleges and technical institutions to help them earn sustainable livelihoods and prevent a return to crime.

“All those who were involved in banditry and have abandoned the crime will be supported to acquire skills and reintegrate productively into society,” he said.

Additionally, the CS revealed plans to establish Kerio Valley University at Tambach, saying the institution would be built alongside Tambach Teachers Training College.

“We have consulted with the President and agreed that Kerio Valley University will be established at Tambach. The teachers’ college will continue to operate, while the new university will be developed adjacent to it,” Murkomen said.

He was accompanied by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Principal Secretaries Dr Chris Kiptoo (Treasury) and Dr Esther Muoria (TVET), Senator William Kisang, MPs Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei, and several MCAs led by County Assembly Speaker Lawi Kibire