A man confesses to a priest./AI illustration
A man long feared as one of Kerio Valley’s most dangerous bandits has surrendered to police and declared he is abandoning a life of crime.
Arthur Komen, 30, walked into Tot Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where he handed over his firearm and ammunition before being released into the care of pastors at the African Inland Church (AIC) Chesongoch for counselling.
Kerio Valley Sub-County Police Commander Zablon Okoyo confirmed the development, describing it as a major step towards peace in the volatile region.
“Komen voluntarily surrendered and confessed to years of involvement in banditry,” Okoyo said.
“He promised to reform and become a peace ambassador. We have handed him over to pastors at AIC Chesongoch for guidance and counselling.”
The surrender followed a three-hour meeting with security officers, local elders, and religious leaders.
Komen, a father of three from Ketut village, pledged to help bring others out of hiding.
“We had a meeting with the suspect in the presence of community elders and religious leaders. He expressed his willingness to help us track others who are still hiding in the thickets,” Okoyo added.
For years, Komen had been on the police watch list, accused of orchestrating deadly raids and leading armed groups in the Kerio Valley. Residents say he was considered a senior figure within the bandit hierarchy.
“We are not certain of his exact position, but we believe he was one of the top commanders. What we know is that he has engaged in banditry for many years,” said a local resident.
His surrender comes weeks after another suspect, Titus Kirop from Mokoro location, was arrested with a firearm. Authorities see these developments as a possible turning point in the fight against banditry that has left communities in fear for decades.
Kerio Valley Deputy County Commissioner Ezekiel Amonde welcomed the move, urging others to follow Komen’s example.
“With more former bandits now embracing peace, residents are hopeful this is the beginning of healing and stability in the troubled region,” he said.
