Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide review of all County Rangers after reports emerged of some misusing firearms to carry out illegal activities.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 23, CS Murkomen outlined decisive measures aimed at restoring order in Narok County and tackling the proliferation of illegal weapons among civilians.
“No part of our country shall be allowed to slide into lawlessness under the watch of the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Murkomen declared.
“We are also aware of instances where County Rangers have misused firearms to carry out unlawful activities. I will issue a policy directive to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all rangers in the country are vetted afresh, operate under a clear reporting structure, and remain fully accountable to the National Police Service,” he added.
The CS revealed that he convened a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and security teams in Siteti, Trans Mara South Sub-County, to coordinate security interventions designed to facilitate the swift return of displaced residents to their homes.
Murkomen also issued a strict warning to civilians in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West, and Emurua Dikirr constituencies, demanding the immediate surrender of all illegal firearms.
“To achieve sustainable peace in the region, all illegal firearms in civilian hands in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West, and Emurua Dikirr constituencies must be surrendered to the government without delay. Those involved in the sale of illegal firearms and ammunition will face decisive action,” he said.
The Interior CS noted that, following directives from President William Ruto, civilians have so far handed over five guns and fourteen rounds of ammunition. However, he warned that this is far from sufficient, given that the area is estimated to contain close to 100 illegal firearms.
“This, however, is only a drop in the ocean, given that the area is estimated to have close to 100 illegal firearms. Our security agencies have been given firm instructions to mop up all remaining illegal weapons,” Murkomen stated.
The increased security measures come amid heightened tensions in Narok County. On Monday, December 22, CS Murkomen officially declared parts of Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South as security-disturbed and dangerous areas for a period of 30 days.
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