Govt to Arm Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs With Guns by December
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that by the end of this year, all chiefs and assistant chiefs serving in areas prone to terror attacks will be armed with guns.
This includes regions such as Mandera County, which has long struggled with insecurity due to its location along the borders of Ethiopia and Somalia.
Murkomen made the announcement on Monday, September 22, during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum held in Mandera.
He explained that the decision to arm local administrators is part of a broader strategy by the government to shield them from extremist groups, armed criminals, and other emerging threats.
The CS said that before the guns are distributed, chiefs who have never handled firearms will first be taken through training sessions to ensure they can use them responsibly and effectively. On the other hand, those who already have firearm skills will receive their guns immediately without having to undergo extra training.
“By December, every chief who qualifies for firearm protection should already be armed. Those who are ready and do not require training will not wait any longer—they will be issued with guns right away,” Murkomen stressed.
He further observed that Mandera has experienced relative calm in recent months, thanks to the presence of a multi-agency security team deployed to restore order.
These security teams have been particularly instrumental in reducing cross-border threats that often originate from militant groups and criminal gangs operating in Somalia and Ethiopia.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, who also attended the forum, admitted that while inter-tribal conflicts have reduced significantly, cattle rustling remains a major headache for security agencies.
He said the government’s move to strengthen local security structures was long overdue and would help communities feel safer in their daily activities.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who was present at the event, called upon residents of Mandera to play their part in enhancing security. He emphasized that security cannot be left to police alone, saying chiefs, residents, and law enforcement officers must all work together to eliminate crime and maintain peace.
“Security is a shared responsibility. As police officers, we are tasked with ensuring your protection, but for us to succeed, we must collaborate closely with the community and its leaders,” IG Kanja noted.
Alongside arming chiefs and assistant chiefs, CS Murkomen also announced that the government would expand its support to National Police Reservists (NPRs).
This includes recruiting more reservists, improving their equipment, and introducing better incentives to ensure they are motivated to continue safeguarding vulnerable regions.
The conversation around arming chiefs, sub-chiefs, and NPRs gained more attention after a shocking incident in March 2025, when armed militants invaded Mangai village in Lamu County.
The militants gathered residents, preached to them for hours, and then left peacefully without firing a shot.
The incident exposed the vulnerability of local communities and the urgent need to empower grassroots administrators.
Murkomen also held a closed-door meeting with security officers in Mandera, where he pledged to address challenges that hinder operations. One of his promises was to prioritize mobility for police and security personnel once the government finalizes a motor leasing agreement.
The plan is expected to ensure that officers can respond faster to emergencies and patrol remote areas more effectively.
Additionally, the CS assured officers that the government is investing in their welfare by providing modern technology and equipment that will make their work easier and more efficient.
He said these changes reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Mandera and other high-risk counties can enjoy lasting peace and development.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
