Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a new initiative that offers scholarships to individuals involved in banditry—if they willingly surrender their illegal firearms.
Speaking on Friday, July 25, during the “Jukwaa la Usalama” (Security Forum) in Elgeyo Marakwet, Murkomen emphasized that the government’s goal is to promote peace by helping former bandits turn their lives around through education and vocational training.
Murkomen explained that those who turn in their weapons voluntarily, without having committed any major crimes, will not face legal charges. Instead, the government will forgive them and take things a step further by offering them access to college education or training institutions.
“Rather than wait for the police to arrest you, surrender willingly. If you haven’t committed any criminal act but you’re in possession of an illegal gun, we won’t prosecute you—we’ll forgive you. In fact, we’ll support you by enrolling you in college,” said Murkomen.
The CS added that the government is working hand-in-hand with various educational institutions and relevant authorities to ensure these reformed individuals are equipped with meaningful skills. This move is part of a broader plan to tackle the persistent issue of banditry in Northern and North-Eastern Kenya.
Murkomen noted that many of those involved in banditry are young people, some of whom are still of school-going age. Rather than watch them drift deeper into criminal activities, the government is offering them a second chance at life through education and skill-building programs.
“These young people can still build a better future. Instead of wasting their lives in crime, we want to give them access to education so they can learn practical skills to earn a living,” he added.
Once they’ve completed their training, the former bandits will be offered opportunities to work on government projects—especially in the Affordable Housing program. Murkomen stated that this will help them reintegrate into society and contribute positively to the nation’s development.
However, Murkomen also issued a stern warning to those who choose to continue with criminal activity. He made it clear that the ongoing security operation will not stop, and anyone refusing to surrender will face serious consequences.
“If you decide to remain a bandit, then you only have yourself to blame. Our security forces are determined to find and deal with you firmly. Take this offer—surrender your weapons, choose peace, and trade your guns for pens,” Murkomen warned.
He further revealed that the security crackdown has already led to the recovery of more than 1,000 illegal firearms. Authorities are now focusing efforts on retrieving the estimated 10,000 remaining guns still in the hands of bandits.
Murkomen also disclosed that the government is in possession of intelligence reports identifying individuals who are secretly supporting criminal activity in the region. Among those suspected of supplying weapons to the bandits are local politicians, contractors, and even teachers.
In conclusion, the CS urged parents and community leaders who know young men involved in banditry to speak up and persuade them to surrender their arms.
“Let’s encourage these young men to take this golden opportunity. It’s time they walk away from violence and build a better future through education,” he said.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
