Murkomen orders fresh vetting of police reservists in Kerio Valley amid new security reforms
CS MNurkomen called on residents and local leaders to cooperate with security agencies to enhance stability in the region.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed a complete fresh vetting of all National Police Reservists (NPRs) operating in the Kerio Valley region.
Speaking during a security meeting at Chesongoch Catholic Church Centre on Monday, Murkomen said the exercise aims to ensure only qualified officers remain in service. Those who pass the vetting will undergo retraining, with the NPRs now placed directly under the command of officers commanding police stations (OCS) in their areas.
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Murkomen raised concerns over cases of NPR officers engaging in criminal activities, emphasising that the government has already initiated a process to replace rogue officers.
"We are creating proper camps for NPRs in Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet," he said.
As part of new welfare measures, the Interior Cabinet Secretary announced that all NPRs will be registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). He added that their families would be prioritised for government bursary programmes to ease their financial burden.
Firearm licences
Murkomen also revealed that chiefs serving in operational areas will now be allowed to apply for firearm licences. He noted that their welfare and career progression will be reviewed to ensure fairness and discipline.
"Chiefs' welfare and career progression will be re-looked. Chiefs with disciplinary issues will be interdicted and taken through the legal framework,” Murkomen stated.
According to the CS, the Public Service Commission will promote chiefs based on merit, moving away from the previous criteria that sometimes overlooked their performance.
On administrative changes, Murkomen said the new Kerio Valley Sub-County is now fully operational, with a deputy county commissioner already posted and given official vehicles. He noted that a police commander (OCPD) and other officials will soon be deployed to the area to boost security management.
Sub-county offices
In his remarks, Murkomen outlined plans to build sub-county offices at Chesongoch in the next financial year. He pointed out that land disputes and road robberies have emerged as new security threats in Loruk and Kerio regions, warning that the government will take firm action against those involved.
"We will build sub-county offices in Chesongoch in the next financial year. Land disputes and road robberies are emerging security issues in the Loruk and Kerio regions; we will take decisive action against perpetrators," he said.
The CS called on residents and local leaders to cooperate with security agencies to enhance stability in the region.
"It's sad that some people block roads during security operations. We have constructed security roads in the region; some are under construction, and more will be constructed soon. We have known individuals in the community who are sabotaging peace, we're upscaling operations to catch up with them," he said.
The meeting brought together security teams from the regional, county, sub-county and ward levels to discuss the way forward in strengthening peace efforts across Kerio Valley.
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