Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen/FILEInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sensationally claimed that a section of professionals from the Kerio Valley region are fueling insecurity by facilitating the smuggling of firearms and ammunition to criminal elements operating across the region.
Speaking during a security engagement in Kerio Valley on July 25, 2025, the CS pointed fingers at individuals, including teachers and contractors, for allegedly taking part in the illegal gun trade.
He said the suspects have formed intricate smuggling networks that stretch to Kenya’s borders with South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia, especially in areas such as Tondonyang.
“We are aware that a few elements are operating, especially in Marrakech East and West. Some of them are teachers, some are contractors. They go all the way to our borders and have criminal networks that purchase guns and supply ammunition. They know themselves — and the law will catch up with them,” Murkomen warned.
Despite the tough message, the CS extended an olive branch to those involved, urging them to surrender to the authorities.
“You can fool some people sometimes, but you cannot fool everyone all the time. I want to give them this olive branch — surrender yourself to the police before it’s too late,” he added.
Murkomen, who previously served as senator for Elgeyo Marakwet, stressed that he has never supported such conduct, both in his former role and current office.
He singled out professionals from Kapsawaru and others operating from Eldoret and as far as Tanzania, saying they were shielding criminals and trafficking weapons used to destabilise the region and endanger lives.
“Those who are supplying ammunition, selling weapons to our youth to cause havoc, I am allowing you to take the shortest time to make sure you run away,” he said.
With the country entering a pre-election period, the CS also appealed to political leaders, both sitting and aspiring, to reject violence and promote peace during the campaign season.
“Violence is not going to be the route to the election. You need to choose quickly to do the right thing,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed government efforts to curb banditry and restore stability in the troubled Kerio Valley corridor.
