Marsabit: The abductions that have taken place in the country are the work of criminals whom the security agencies have managed to stop in their tracks and are now pursuing for legal action. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, regretted that the president’s account that the government had managed to stop the menace had been misinterpreted to mean his administration was behind it.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at the Marsabit County DCI offices during a Jukwaa la Usalama tour of the county, Murkomen clarified that many people had misunderstood President William Ruto. He sought to set the record straight, noting that the Kenya Kwanza Administration had succeeded in ending the abductions, much like it has been able to halt crime in other areas. Murkomen emphasized that just as the government has been able to stop drug trafficking and illegal mining in Moyale, it does not imply that the government is involved in these activities.
The Cabinet Secretary, accompanied by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, also noted that commitment to duty had enabled the multi-agency security team to recover illegal firearms, including 201 guns and 1,309 bullets, in the ongoing Ondoa Jangili operation in Marsabit Central sub-county. The operation, which began in February, has also led to the nabbing and prosecution of over 300 suspects, with successful convictions. It has curtailed the proliferation of small firearms, fueled by porous borders of disturbed areas in neighboring countries.
Murkomen highlighted the president’s dedication to ending illegal cross-border trade, which has been exploited by criminal organizations like Al-Shabaab and OLF to finance their activities. He commended the security agencies, along with local county leadership, for stabilizing the region previously plagued by inter-ethnic conflicts over cattle rustling and grazing resources.
The Cabinet Secretary cited the illegal mining in the Hillo-Dabel belt in Moyale sub-county, which had been infiltrated by illegal migrants. The government has managed to end this activity and plans are underway to assist local artisanal miners and commercial entities to engage in licensed mineral speculation operations in the area. This initiative is expected to create employment, boost security, and generate much-needed revenue for the government.
During his visit to Marsabit to assess the progress of the Jukwaa la Usalama, Murkomen praised the local leadership, led by Governor Mohamud Ali, for unifying the county, ending tribal conflicts, and creating an environment conducive to development. In a security-bolstering engagement at the Jukwaa la Usalama meeting held at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) grounds, Murkomen pledged additional police reservists to the 400 enlisted in the service.
Residents, led by the governor, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and MPs Wario Guyo and Joseph Lekuton of North Horr and Laisamis respectively, requested more reservists to assist in complementing the work of the National Police Service. Murkomen directed the local national administration to continue holding meetings among communities to emphasize peace while engaging in conversations with elected leaders and aspiring ones, ensuring no tensions arise as the next general elections approach.
Governor Ali praised the Jukwaa La Usalama initiative for strengthening governance, improving security mechanisms, and enhancing service delivery. He particularly noted the importance of issuing identity cards and birth certificates, which have yet to gain momentum despite the presidential waiver on registration fees and the disbandment of the vetting committee.
