Interior CS Murkomen flags rising boda boda violence amid broader stability
Murkomen said the rapid expansion of the boda boda sector, a vital pillar of Kenya’s transport economy, has created employment for thousands of youths nationwide. However, minimal regulation has led to disorder and lawlessness.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has presented a national security status report covering the past several months, noting that the country remains generally peaceful, aside from sporadic incidents involving the infiltration of peaceful demonstrations, banditry, land disputes and resource-based conflicts.
During his opening remarks before the Senate on Wednesday morning, Murkomen highlighted growing violence linked to boda boda operators, particularly those involved in torching vehicles after road traffic accidents, a trend he said is prevalent in Western, Nyanza and Nairobi regions.
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He said that the Ministry is working with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and county governments to ensure all operators are registered under Saccos and assigned designated operating zones. This model enables Sacco leadership to enforce discipline and report rogue operators to authorities.
"We are also exploring modalities to incorporate Sacco leaders into community policing to enhance accountability and support intelligence gathering. Criminal elements masquerading as boda boda operators will be prosecuted to protect the sector’s image and ensure it contributes optimally to the economy while preserving law and order," Murkomen told the Senate.
Murkomen noted that the rapid expansion of the boda boda sector, a vital pillar of Kenya’s transport economy, has created employment for thousands of youths nationwide. However, minimal regulation has led to disorder, lawlessness and rising insecurity associated with unregistered and unidentified riders.
On Operation Maliza Uhalifu, the CS reported that the ongoing voluntary disarmament programme has so far recovered over 600 firearms.
"Since my reassignment to the Ministry, we’ve made significant progress in curbing banditry and livestock theft across the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions. Through Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), our security agencies have silenced the guns in Kerio Valley and neighbouring counties. Trading centres have reopened, children are back in school, and communities that once lived in fear now coexist peacefully," he said.
To sustain these gains and eliminate long-term threats, Murkomen said the Ministry will enhance the role of National Police Reservists (NPRs), construct security roads, and engage communities in better management of grazing rights.
On urban security, Murkomen said multi-agency, intelligence-driven operations have dismantled organised criminal gangs such as Panga Boys, Wakali Wao, Confirmed, Gaza and 42 Brothers, which had terrorised residents through mugging, extortion, and drug trafficking.
"These networks have been disrupted, their leaders apprehended, and law and order restored in cities like Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. Public spaces are safer, businesses are thriving again, and citizens can move freely without intimidation. We remain committed to preventing the resurgence of such gangs and ensuring urban safety," he said.
Despite budgetary constraints, Murkomen added that the Ministry has accelerated modernisation of the National Police Service (NPS) through enhanced training, acquisition of modern equipment, improved housing, and digitisation of operational systems.
"These reforms are strengthening discipline, professionalism, and efficiency, positioning our security agencies to better respond to emerging threats and serve citizens with integrity," he said, citing the rollout of the Digital Occurrence Book (OB) system, installation of CCTV cameras in and around police facilities, and integration of data management systems to improve transparency, accountability, and real-time coordination.
Additional reforms include establishing a policy framework for transfers and promotions, ensuring no police officer serves in the same station for more than three years to enhance accountability and professionalism.
Reforms targeting National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) aim to introduce a system that guarantees career progression, supported by structured training and retraining programmes to enhance administrative competence and leadership.
"This year alone, we have trained 8,073 Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in induction, paralegal, and security management courses. In addition, 804 Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) have completed training and received Diplomas in Public Administration," he said.
The Ministry has also decentralised the issuance of uniforms for chiefs to the sub-county level to improve efficiency and accountability, and is developing maternity uniforms for both police officers and NGAOs, recognising the importance of gender inclusivity and dignity in public service.
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