Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has praised the Special Operations Group (SOG) for its contribution to the fight against banditry and terrorism, saying the multi-agency unit has helped largely eradicate the threats in the Kerio Valley and other parts of the country.
Murkomen said the specialised security unit, working alongside other agencies, had made significant gains in disarming criminals and disrupting networks involved in insecurity.
“More than 2,000 guns and 15, 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized from bandits and terrorists,” Murkomen said.
The CS was speaking Thursday when he presided over the 11th Special Operations Group graduation ceremony at Kamanga Training Camp in Samburu County.
The ceremony marked the graduation of 122 officers who successfully completed six-and-a-half months of rigorous specialised training.
Murkomen commended the officers for completing the demanding course and challenged them to serve Kenyans with the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity.
He said their training had equipped them to respond to some of the most complex security challenges facing the country, including violent extremism, organised crime and cross-border threats.
“You are called upon to confront violent extremism, disrupt organised criminal networks, combat cross-border threats, protect critical national infrastructure, and support specialised operations where precision, discipline, and professionalism are paramount,” he told the officers.
Murkomen said the SOG’s role extended beyond responding to immediate security threats, noting that its specialised capabilities would remain critical in protecting national interests and maintaining peace and stability.
He said the Government would continue strengthening cooperation between security agencies to ensure that emerging threats are detected and addressed before they escalate.
The CS commended the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Service for their contribution to the achievements recorded by the SOG.
He said the success of security operations depended on close coordination between agencies, particularly as criminals and terrorist groups continued to adopt new methods of operation.
Murkomen also reiterated the Government’s commitment to reforms in the security sector, saying the changes were aimed at transforming security agencies into effective and people-centred institutions.
He challenged the graduating officers to uphold the values instilled during their training as they return to operational duties.
The CS said their responsibilities would include protecting critical infrastructure, combating organised criminal networks and supporting specialised operations requiring precision and professionalism.
The ceremony was attended by senior security officials, including National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Ali and Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli.
