Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has directed a fresh vetting exercise for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) serving in the Kerio Valley region, with only those who pass the process set for retraining.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting at Chesongoch Catholic Church Centre in Elgeyo Marakwet County, CS Murkomen outlined a raft of new security measures aimed at boosting stability in the restive region.
He emphasized that NPR officers who pass the vetting would be reabsorbed under a restructured command system, placing them directly under the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS).
The CS expressed concern over incidences of NPR officers engaging in criminal activities, stating that a process to replace rogue officers is already underway.“We are creating proper camps for NPRs in Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet,” he announced.
As part of efforts to improve welfare, Murkomen confirmed that all NPRs would be registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme.
Additionally, families of NPRs will be given priority in the issuance of government bursaries. The CS also announced a major shift regarding chiefs operating in the Kerio Valley security zones, stating that chiefs will now be allowed to apply for firearm licenses.”Chiefs’ welfare and career progression will be relooked. Chiefs with disciplinary issues will be interdicted and subjected to legal processes,” said Murkomen.
He added that promotions for chiefs would henceforth be merit-based through the Public Service Commission (PSC).In bolstering security infrastructure, the CS revealed that the government has operationalized a new Kerio Valley Sub-County. Vehicles have already been handed over to the newly appointed Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) and soon, an Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) and other officials will be deployed.“We will build Sub-County offices in Chesongoch in the next financial year,” Murkomen added.
He cited land disputes and rising cases of road robberies as emerging security threats in Loruk and the wider Kerio region, promising “decisive action” against perpetrators.Calling for greater community cooperation, the CS urged locals and leaders to work hand-in-hand with security agencies to safeguard the gains made through Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).”It is unfortunate that some individuals block roads during security operations. We know those sabotaging peace, and operations are being scaled up to apprehend them,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who attended the meeting, echoed the CS’s sentiments, calling for proactive and steadfast law enforcement.
He commended OMU for contributing to notable security progress in the troubled region.The security meeting brought together Regional, County, Sub-County, and Ward-level security teams, reflecting a unified approach to tackling lingering and emerging threats to peace in Kerio Valley.
