Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has kicked off a weeklong tour of Kenya’s Coast region, with a mission to assess the current security situation and strengthen efforts to combat criminal gangs.
His visit will take him to Lamu and other areas grappling with threats from groups like the Panga Boys and al-Shabaab, whose activities have caused alarm in the region.
Speaking at the start of his tour, Murkomen outlined the key focus of his visit: “We are here to ensure that the people of the Coast region feel safe.
Over 150 suspects have been arrested in recent crackdowns targeting criminal gangs, and we are not relenting in our pursuit of peace and security for all Kenyans,” he said.
The CS will engage with frontline officers and local law enforcement agencies to review the progress of ongoing operations against these criminal groups.
Murkomen also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with local leaders and community peace committees to create a collaborative approach to tackling security challenges.
An important part of Murkomen’s visit will be to oversee the rollout of the government’s mobile ID initiative, which aims to enhance identification systems and improve security operations.
“Technology is key to modernizing our security infrastructure. The mobile ID rollout is part of our strategy to increase surveillance and ensure that criminals cannot hide behind outdated systems,” Murkomen stated.
The CS’s tour follows similar trips to conflict-prone counties, including a recent visit to Laikipia where he launched “OMU Two,” a police operation aimed at curbing banditry in the North Rift.
Murkomen stressed that such operations were vital for securing areas affected by violence and unrest.
“We will not allow our security forces to serve political interests. NPRs (National Police Reservists) and Rangers must focus on their primary role: ensuring the safety of the citizens, not any political agenda,” Murkomen stated firmly.
The government has committed to strengthening security through the integration of advanced technology. Murkomen assured that plans are in place to expand tech-based surveillance systems and equip security personnel with the latest tools to respond to threats more effectively.
“We will continue to support our officers with the necessary resources, from high-tech surveillance to better equipment, to ensure that we stay ahead of criminal elements,” Murkomen added.
As part of his efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, the CS will also be working closely with local leaders and peace teams to foster dialogue and cooperation between the government and communities.
“Our goal is to build a united front against criminals and instill confidence in the residents that their security is a top priority,” he concluded.
The tour is seen as a critical step in the government’s broader strategy to address security concerns in the Coast region, particularly as criminal gangs like the Panga Boys continue to pose a serious threat to local communities.
