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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a large-scale security operation in Mukokodo forest to eliminate bandits in Laikipia county.
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He also revealed the creation of a new police command and the launch of the second Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) in the region.
Murkomen warned politicians who are supporting banditry and contributing to insecurity in the Kerio Valley, stating that they would face the full force of the law.
The OMU 2 operation will have its command center in Kirimon and is tasked with addressing emerging crimes in the troubled areas, aiming to restore peace and stability. The operation will cover Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and parts of Meru counties.
This joint operation, involving the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is focused on combating banditry and restoring security in the North Rift counties of Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet. The officers will work closely with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), the National Police Reservists (NPRs), and Rangers.
“We are establishing separate command centers, with a new one in Kirimon, complementing the Chemalingot base for Operation Maliza Uhalifu,” Murkomen stated.
OMU 2 will focus on addressing emerging security threats that could spill over into neighboring counties.
“There are still issues in Mukokodo forest, parts of Samburu East, and Maralal. We are intensifying operations to restore peace and will conduct a targeted operation to remove criminals,” he added.
Murkomen also emphasized that NPRs and Rangers should not be influenced by politicians and should not become private militias.
The CS made the announcement during a security meeting at the Kirimon National Youth Service training camp, where he explained that the new base would complement the Chemolingot command center for Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the Kerio Valley.
Murkomen visited the troubled county, which has recently seen sporadic security incidents, and pledged to restore peace through the deployment of a multi-agency security team.
The first OMU command center is located in Chemolingot, Tiaty, Baringo county, with the goal of eliminating banditry in the North Rift.
Murkomen also revealed plans to integrate advanced technology into the operation, including modern equipment with enhanced capabilities. “We are investing in aerial surveillance, night vision equipment, and both offensive and defensive gear,” he said.
He praised the public for their ongoing support of the security operations and thanked Borana and Lewa Ranch for their assistance with aerial surveillance.
Murkomen also discussed improvements in police welfare and mental health, including a new resource distribution strategy, with a focus on fuel allocation and NPR command structure.
On Wednesday, Murkomen visited Baringo county following recent banditry attacks and met with the multi-agency security team overseeing the ongoing operation. He was briefed on the progress made in the operation.
The CS commended the team for their dedication, cooperation, and discipline, while reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting OMU.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu has made remarkable progress, and peace has been restored in many areas, allowing economic activities to resume,” Murkomen said.
He assured that the government remains committed to restoring peace in areas still facing challenges.
“There is one problematic area in Baringo county, but we are addressing it, and stolen livestock have already been recovered,” Murkomen added on Wednesday. “Children are returning to school, and local residents are going about their daily activities, except in the one area where our security forces are working to restore peace.”
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, senior commanders, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, and top security officials from Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo counties.
