Kipchumba Murkomen Orders Probe After Teacher Is Killed by Bandits in Isiolo
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to move with speed and thoroughly investigate the killing of a teacher in Isiolo County.
The teacher was attacked and killed by suspected bandits on Wednesday, February 19, an incident that has shocked residents and raised fresh concerns about insecurity in the region.
Speaking during a press briefing in Laikipia County, Murkomen said the government will not treat the matter lightly.
He announced that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, will personally lead the investigations to establish exactly what happened and ensure that all those responsible are identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law. The CS emphasized that no individual involved in the attack will be spared.
Murkomen described the killing as a possible revenge attack by bandits who are unhappy with the ongoing security crackdown in the region.
According to him, security forces have intensified operations against criminal groups involved in cattle rustling and banditry, and some of these groups may now be retaliating against innocent civilians.
“The operation is ongoing; it has only been on for two weeks, but we want to assure you that it will be sustained until we liberate this area,” Murkomen said.
He also expressed his condolences to families who have lost loved ones due to bandit attacks over time, including the family of the teacher who was killed. He noted that the government understands the pain residents are going through and is committed to restoring lasting peace.
The CS further revealed that security agencies will step up disarmament operations in Isiolo to remove illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.
He said this move is part of a broader government plan to restore peace and normalcy in the region, in line with the directives issued by President William Ruto.
According to Murkomen, the government’s goal is not just to respond to attacks but to completely dismantle criminal networks operating in the affected counties.
Two weeks ago, Murkomen had already announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) would be deployed to support police operations in Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, and Meru counties.
The deployment was aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and enhancing security operations to curb cattle rustling and banditry, which have continued to disrupt lives and economic activities in these areas.
During a previous security meeting held in Isiolo on Tuesday, February 3, Murkomen said that several roads that had been closed due to insecurity would be reopened.
He explained that reopening these routes would allow security personnel to access remote areas more easily and carry out their operations more effectively. Improved access, he added, will also help residents resume normal activities without fear.
In addition to targeting bandits, the CS also directed immediate action against police officers accused of contributing to insecurity. He warned that officers who fail to act against criminals or who are suspected of colluding with them will face strict disciplinary measures.
Murkomen admitted that there have been serious coordination challenges within the police service in some of the affected counties.
He disclosed that Inspector General Douglas Kanja is already in the process of reorganizing police deployments. Officers who have stayed too long in the same stations will be transferred and replaced with new personnel.
According to Murkomen, some officers have overstayed in certain areas, built close relationships with locals, and in some cases become too familiar or even fearful of criminal elements, which affects their performance.
“There are some officers who have overstayed in these areas, and they have made friends, and they are even fearing some people, so the IG is going to do some reorganisations to bring fresh new police officers,” Murkomen said.
He also admitted that laxity among some officers has contributed to the worsening security situation, with reports that some rarely report to their stations or simply watch as criminals steal livestock without taking action.
The government now says it is determined to deal firmly with both criminal gangs and any security officers who fail in their duties.
Murkomen assured residents that the crackdown will continue until peace and order are fully restored, and that the killing of the teacher will not go unanswered.
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