The government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Operation Maliza Uhalifu in Kerio Valley until all illegal firearms are recovered and banditry is eliminated, with plans to significantly increase security deployments across the region.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the multi-agency security operation will continue until criminal networks are dismantled and residents can live, work, and conduct business without fear.
“The operation taking place in Kerio Valley will continue until all illegal firearms are removed from the hands of the bandits,” Murkomen affirmed.
The Interior CS announced that, unlike previous short-term operations, the current security mission will maintain a permanent presence in the region.
“Previously, security teams would conduct operations and leave. This time, the operation teams will stay with the people. By December, the effort will have trippled, with three teams operating across Samburu, the central Kerio corridor, and Turkana,” he explained.
Murkomen appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help recover illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
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“We appeal to every resident of Kerio Valley to cooperate with security agencies to ensure all illegal firearms are removed so that we can end criminality,” he said.
He also warned individuals involved in trafficking firearms, ammunition, and stolen livestock that the government would intensify its crackdown on organized criminal networks.
“We know those seeking to revive the business of selling firearms and ammunition. They should not dare. We are also ending the business of stealing, buying, and selling stolen livestock,” Murkomen added.
According to the CS, restoring peace and security will pave the way for the reopening of markets, revival of trade, and accelerated economic growth across Kerio Valley.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya said the gains already recorded in the region demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a coordinated security initiative involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, and the National Government Administration.
“The achievements we are making today are the result of a very well-coordinated Operation Maliza Uhalifu,” Tuya stated.
While acknowledging that isolated security incidents still occur, she assured residents that security agencies would remain on high alert until banditry is completely eradicated.
“We are telling our security agencies not to rest. We have to keep vigilance very high to deal with criminality and eliminate banditry and insecurity once and for all,” she said.
Tuya noted that the government’s long-term objective extends beyond reducing attacks to restoring normal life by improving education, water access, mobility, and economic opportunities for local communities.
“The ultimate success will be measured not just by reduced attacks, but by the return of children to school, safer movement of citizens, reliable water supply, and renewed trust between the state and its citizens,” she said.
She added that the Kenya Defence Forces will continue supporting humanitarian and development initiatives, including constructing and rehabilitating schools, drilling boreholes to improve water access, and opening security roads to enhance connectivity across the region.
Tuya also commended members of the security services for their dedication and sacrifice.
“I ask the people of Baringo and neighbouring counties to pray for our soldiers. They work tirelessly, sacrificing sleep so that we may live in peace, while working together with other government agencies to secure lasting stability,” she appealed.
