Drugs, gangs, and land disputes are major threats to Kenya’s security -CS Murkomen

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has highlighted the rapid spread of illegal drugs, political gangs, human trafficking, and land conflicts as the most pressing security challenges in Kenya.

Speaking in Nakuru on Tuesday during the 28th county security and service delivery tour, Murkomen revealed that these visits have shed light on the depth of insecurity across the nation and informed effective responses.

The Jukwaa La Usalama initiative, led by the Interior Ministry, brings together local leaders, government officers, security agents, and elected officials in public forums to discuss and improve security and development.

Murkomen said the comprehensive report from all counties will guide future policies, but the tours have already led to positive changes.

“In the Kerio Valley region, which covers Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, and Laikipia, where security was once a serious concern, banditry has reduced by over 70 per cent,” he reported.

“These tours have boosted the morale of security personnel and sharpened their focus. In all the areas visited, we have seen major crackdowns. Cannabis seizures have increased across Kenya,” he added.

The CS expressed worry about the increasing acceptance of cannabis use in the country, calling it a dangerous trend that must be stopped.

He announced a multi-agency crackdown targeting drug traffickers, pointing out that Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Narok, and Nakuru counties are experiencing high levels of substance abuse.

Nakuru city, he noted, is a major transit hub for drugs and illegal brews, especially counterfeit spirits and adulterated ethanol, with towns like Molo, Naivasha, Njoro, and Rongai heavily affected.

Murkomen said efforts to fight child trafficking, sexual abuse, and drug-related crimes are being strengthened by boosting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Anti-Narcotics Unit, including deploying new police officers to support the team.

On land-related insecurity, he highlighted that illegal land occupation is widespread in Gilgil, Naivasha, Njoro, Rongai, Molo, and Subukia, posing serious security concerns in Nakuru.

“I challenge Kenyans to use safe and legal ways to settle disputes,” he urged, announcing plans to create a multi-agency task force involving Interior and Lands ministry officers, along with community leaders, to tackle land conflicts.

Murkomen warned that those who seize land from widows and the elderly will face strict legal action.

“I have directed the regional security teams to ensure cases are well documented, carefully examined, and handled by multiple agencies,” he added.

The CS also issued a firm warning to political gangs and those who support them, promising decisive action.

Other Topics To Read

• and land disputes are major threats to Kenya’s security -CS Murkomen
• Headlines
• National
• insecurity
• Kipchumba Murkomen
• Banditry
• Human Trafficking
• Police Officers
• Jukwaa La Usalama
• illegal drugs
• land conflicts
• Drugs
• gangs

“I am glad our security teams have managed to tame gangs. But more needs to be done to stamp them out completely. In some areas, it has even affected school attendance. We can’t allow this,” Murkomen said.

He was accompanied by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Deputy Inspector General (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, and several Members of Parliament.

Regarding sports security, Murkomen assured that the government has taken steps to ensure Kenya complies with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN). The National Police Service will enforce penalties for any violations.

“Kenyans are an important part of the game. I’d like to implore Kenyans to go to the stadium only if they have tickets,” he said.

He also called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to collaborate with the Sports Ministry in setting up large screens in key locations so fans can watch the games.