Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Governor Jonathan Bii during the burial of Sudi's aunt in Trans Nzoia county, September 20, 2025. /MATHEWS NDANYIInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said over 100 guns have been surrendered by bandits in the last three days, signalling a near end to banditry in the Kerio Valley region.
Murkomen said about 50 guns were surrendered today, 45 on Friday, and another 20 the previous day.
“I want to thank our people in Kerio Valley for agreeing that we have to end banditry once and for all. We know where all illegal guns are and we ask those who still have them to surrender before we come for the same,” Murkomen said.
He said President Ruto had pledged that his regime would be the one to wipe out banditry and that this was now being achieved.
Murkomen added that the government planned to mop up all illegal guns in the region within a short period.
He announced that there would be a major empowerment plan for the youth in Kerio Valley to ensure they earn decent livelihoods.
“The government has set aside over Sh1 billion to open up the entire region especially Tiati area which was not accessible,” said Murkomen.
He said bandits would not have any hideout in Kerio Valley.
Murkomen was speaking on Saturday at Kiptoror in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia county, during the burial of Mama Pauline Chelimo Kipkore, an aunt to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
Also present were governors Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu and Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, along with MPs Joseph Wainaina and Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei, among others.
Murkomen said that within the next one month, the government would be through with the operation to clear banditry in the region.
Sudi and the governors thanked CS Murkomen for spearheading the fight against banditry in the region.
Sudi asked those who still have guns to return them voluntarily before the government uses force on them.
“CS Murkomen please pile pressure on them and don’t relent at all. Let them go away if they won’t surrender the guns,” Sudi said.
The governors, led by Sang, said restoration of peace and security would reopen the region for development activities.
