Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday, May 3, 2025, disclosed that 21 people had been killed since January 2025 over banditry-related cases.
In a lengthy statement, Murkomen indicated that out of the 21, eight were civilians and one was a police officer. The 12 were suspects, Murkomen elaborated.
Quoting a report from his ministry, Murkomen detailed that the country had recorded a significant decrease in banditry, revealing that 58 people were killed in a similar period in 2024.
He added that cases of stock theft also reduced from 263 to 167 between January and March 2025.
“Our first quarter security report covering January-March 2025 indicated a significant decrease in cases of banditry and stock theft.”
“The period between January and March recorded 167 cases of stock theft compared to 263 in the same period last year. During the period under review, a total of 4,935 livestock were stolen compared to 8,557 in the same period in 2024.”
“Unfortunately, as a result of these criminal acts, 21 persons (1 police officer, 8 civilians, and 12 suspects) were killed in the first quarter of the year 2025, compared to 58 persons who unfortunately died in the same period in 2024,” Murkomen’s statement read in part.
He attributed the decline in banditry-related cases to concerted efforts between security officers and the national police reservists.
Challenges
Despite the progress made in eliminating banditry in the country, Murkomen indicated the challenges continue to crop up, including the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and commercialisation of banditry through readily available markets for stolen livestock.
Murkomen also cited political interference and incitement, and competition for water and pasture during periods of drought. Fights over communal land boundaries and poor road infrastructure in areas connecting hideouts for bandits were also listed among challenges dogging the battle against banditry.
“The government is working hard to set aside resources for infrastructure development, including schools, and to provide our security officers with better equipment and resources to tackle these challenges.
“I urge Kenyans to collaborate with our security officers as we strive to secure our country. Let us shun all acts of political incitement and revenge. I urge political leaders to stop playing politics with such important national security concerns,” he added.
Fresh attacks
Murkomen’s statement came hours after Baringo North experienced a fresh wave of bandit attacks, which occurred on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Following the attack, Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap asked President William Ruto to sack Murkomen. The MP accused the CS of demeaning the residents with his comments when he visited the area on Friday, May 2, 2025.
“My people in Baringo North have never wronged anyone. The one causing us problems and disrespecting us now is this incompetent minister of yours. President, we ask you to fire him. He is the problem in your government. Instead of solving the issue of security, you (Murkomen) are busy on social media and inciting people,” said Makilap.
“Us, the Arror residents, we have rejected this guy called Murkomen. He is the problem in the Kenya Kwanza administration. The rest of us worked hard to get this government,” he added.