The government has intensified its crackdown on banditry in the North Rift region by launching a new anti-banditry Command Centre in Kirimon, Laikipia County.
This facility becomes the second operational hub under Operation Maliza Uhalifu Two (OMU II), complementing the existing OMU I command base in Chemolingot, Baringo County. Strategically positioned, the Kirimon base enhances rapid response capabilities and ensures coordinated security operations in high-risk areas prone to bandit attacks and livestock theft.
Speaking at the launch at the Kirimon National Youth Service (NYS) Training Centre, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized a two-pronged approach: suppressing banditry while prioritizing the welfare of security personnel.
Murkomen assured that the well-being of officers remains central to the multi-agency operation, which brings together personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), National Police Reservists (NPRs), and Rangers.
The joint effort aims to restore peace and stability across Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, Meru, and several North Rift counties, including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, and West Pokot.
“Peace and normalcy have returned in many areas, allowing economic activities to resume. However, challenges persist in Mukokodo Forest, parts of Samburu East, and Maralal,” Murkomen stated.
“We are intensifying operations to restore peace. A decisive operation is underway to flush out criminals.”
The newly established command centre will oversee security operations across Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and parts of Meru, ensuring stability while upholding proportionality and safeguarding civilian populations.
Murkomen noted that the security measures have facilitated the reopening of schools and the resumption of daily economic activities, except for a few volatile areas where pacification efforts are ongoing.
The high-security meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, and General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni. Also present were Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Commandant Joseph Limo, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Hassan Abdi, and Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati.
