Firearm smugglers from Uganda to Kenya mapped, arrests imminent, says Interior CS Murkomen

Firearm smugglers have been put on notice, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealing that security agencies have already identified suspects involved in trafficking weapons from Uganda into Kenya.

Speaking on Thursday during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Murkomen said the suspects—among them influential community leaders—will soon be arrested as the government steps up its crackdown on illegal arms networks.

He confirmed that security officers are actively monitoring the individuals and that arrests are imminent.

“Many of them wear suits and drive vehicles. We know them, we have their numbers. They are being monitored and are due to be arrested,” Murkomen told the gathering, which brought together opinion leaders, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), elected leaders and security personnel.

He said intelligence reports show the suspects have taken advantage of porous border routes between Kenya and Uganda to smuggle guns and ammunition, fueling insecurity in the Kerio Valley region.

“We have a challenge with our porous borders both locally and with neighbouring nations. The small routes are accessed by criminals, and this leads to the proliferation of small arms,” he said.

No immunity

Murkomen warned that those involved should not assume immunity based on their social status or political influence.

“Some of these individuals think they can get away with crime because they are leaders or opinion leaders,” he said.

“But I want to warn them. If they find themselves in a crossfire, we do not want them to come and say that the police should have done this or that.”

Smuggling racket

According to the CS, security agencies have identified the key players behind the smuggling racket, adding that operations targeting them will be based on solid intelligence.

“We will pick people from their villages and the comfort of their shops and homes and take them through the justice system, and we are not just warning the Pokots, the Marakwets as well,” Murkomen said.

He reiterated that the government is committed to restoring peace in West Pokot and will not tolerate individuals sabotaging its efforts.

“These criminals need to behave. Mtu asijfanye clever by buying guns to sell to our young people to make money,” he said, warning, “The consequences will be extremely dire. It’s like the saying, ‘when you rattle a snake…’”

Other Topics To Read

• says Interior CS Murkomen
• Headlines
• National
• Cattle Rustling
• Banditry
• West Pokot County
• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen
• Jukwaa La Usalama
• Kapenguria
• Kerio Valley insecurity
• Firearm smugglers
• Firearm smugglers from Uganda to Kenya mapped
• arrests imminent

Tracking suspects

He confirmed that the National Police Service and other agencies are tracking the suspects and will soon make arrests.

“Those hiding in suits, we are monitoring you. You are on our radar and very soon you will be arrested,” Murkomen said.

In addition to the issue of illegal firearms, the CS expressed concern over the rising influx of contraband goods, warning that the smuggling of substandard products—including drugs and cheap alcohol from neighbouring countries—is negatively impacting the youth.

“People are buying substandard goods and not paying taxes. Contraband goods from neighbouring countries are also hurting our people, especially the youth. Drugs, cheap alcohol are packed and sold to unsuspecting clients. Many young people are having their lives wasted through imports and other manufactured goods,” he said.

West Pokot, along with parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and Turkana counties, continues to face persistent insecurity fueled by cattle rustling, banditry, and the widespread circulation of illegal firearms.

Government attempts to restore peace through disarmament have frequently been undermined by deep-rooted cultural practices, porous borders, and political interference.