Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to conduct a fresh nationwide vetting of all County Rangers after reports emerged linking some officers to the misuse of firearms and other criminal activities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 23, Murkomen said the move is part of a broader government effort to restore order and curb the spread of illegal weapons, particularly in parts of Narok County that have recently experienced insecurity.
He stressed that no region of the country would be allowed to descend into chaos, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Murkomen revealed that intelligence reports had pointed to cases where County Rangers abused their firearms to engage in unlawful acts. As a result, he said he would issue a policy directive to the Inspector General of Police to ensure all rangers undergo a fresh vetting process, operate within a clear command structure, and remain fully accountable to the National Police Service.
The Interior CS also disclosed that he had held a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers and security teams in Siteti, Trans Mara South Sub-County, to coordinate security measures aimed at enabling displaced residents to return to their homes as quickly as possible.
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He issued a firm warning to residents in Kilgoris, Kuria East, Kuria West and Emurua Dikirr constituencies, directing them to surrender all illegal firearms to the government without delay. Murkomen added that anyone involved in the trade of illicit weapons and ammunition would face decisive action.
According to the CS, directives from President William Ruto have already led to the surrender of five firearms and fourteen rounds of ammunition by civilians. However, he noted that this figure falls far short of expectations, given estimates that the area may be awash with nearly 100 illegal guns. Security agencies, he said, have been instructed to recover all remaining weapons.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in Narok County. On Monday, December 22, Murkomen declared parts of Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South security-disturbed and dangerous for a period of 30 days, a move intended to allow for intensified security operations and more effective peace-building efforts.
He also confirmed that a dawn-to-dusk curfew is already in place, alongside a reinforced security presence. According to Murkomen, the situation is gradually stabilising as authorities continue engaging local leaders and other stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict.
