Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a multi-agency security operation in Bungoma County, targeting criminal gangs, illicit trade, and environmental crimes.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama Bungoma Chapter forum, Murkomen underscored the county’s importance as a food basket and economic hub, as well as its tourism potential owing to Mt Elgon, the second-highest mountain in the country.
“To protect this gem, we are embarking on a multi-agency operation to flush out criminals operating from Mt Elgon Forest. Illegal grazing and logging threaten the fragile ecosystem and livelihoods, and we will not allow this destruction to continue,” he said.
The CS noted that the government is also pursuing gang leaders responsible for political violence, with law enforcement directed to act without regard to political affiliation.
He added that the crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs would now extend to distributors of ethanol, warning that those arrested will face the full force of the law.
On the rising cases of homicide in the county, Murkomen linked the trend to rampant land fraud, warning that lands officers abetting illegal dealings would be held accountable.
He further decried Bungoma’s high cases of defilement, directing chiefs, assistant chiefs, and police to ensure perpetrators are taken through the justice system, not informal settlements.
“To enhance security and service delivery, we shall progressively operationalise gazetted administrative units and increase police strength in Bungoma,” Murkomen said.
The forum brought together Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany, Senator David Wakoli, MPs John Makali (Kanduyi), John Waluke (Sirisia), Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Speaker Emmanuel Situma, MCAs, and other local leaders.
Senior national officials present included Deputy Inspector General (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, Secretary Internal Security Thomas Saka, Secretary NRB Dr. Christopher Wanjau, Secretary Civil Registration Services Paul Mwangemi, PBO Regulatory Authority Chair Mwambu Mabonga, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia, and top regional police, prisons, and county security commanders.
