Turkana MP blames Interior Ministry for rising insecurity in Aroo
Residents of Kainuk also condemned the attacks, linking the rising insecurity to gold mining disputes along the Turkana–West Pokot border and calling for immediate recruitment of Kenya Police Reservists.
A storm of criticism has erupted after Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit issued a harsh statement accusing the Ministry of Interior and multi-agency security teams of neglecting their duty to deal with the worsening insecurity in Aroo Sub-County.
Speaking on Friday, Dr Namoit said the government’s failure to act amounted to “a betrayal of the people of Turkana South.”
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“The Ministry of Interior has completely failed in its duty to protect the peaceful residents of Aroo Sub-County,” he said. “Despite repeated killings, public outcries, and demonstrations, the government has remained silent. This is not just failure, it is abandonment.”
His remarks followed another deadly raid early on Thursday in Lorgoon, just 200 metres from the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) camp. Armed bandits, believed to be from the neighbouring community, attacked the village and killed one person, raising new doubts about the effectiveness of security operations in the area.
“Why do raids and killings continue where security teams are stationed?” Dr Namoit asked. “Their presence seems meaningless when our people are being murdered in broad daylight.”
He further alleged collusion between some officers and the attackers. “There are credible reports that officers in Aroo are unusually friendly with individuals across the border at Lami Nyesui village,” he said, adding that these officers treat residents harshly instead.
Dr Namoit also criticised the government for failing to recover stolen livestock and for delaying the deployment of 200 National Police Reservists and the construction of key access roads promised two years ago.
“This neglect is destroying public trust and encouraging criminals,” he said. “The people of Turkana South deserve protection, not promises.”
He urged President William Ruto’s administration to take urgent action, overhaul the current security approach, and investigate officers accused of misconduct.
Residents of Kainuk also condemned the attacks, linking the rising insecurity to gold mining disputes along the Turkana–West Pokot border and calling for immediate recruitment of Kenya Police Reservists.
Led by local activist Joseph Egalan, they said the persistent killings and theft of livestock were worrying despite the heavy presence of security personnel in the region.
“This endless killing is a result of disputes arising from the border region where gold mining activities are taking place. We suspect the security officers in the region have been compromised. We are asking the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination to immediately recommend our proposal during the Jukwa La Usalama, including recruitment of the KPRs,” he said.
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