Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a firm warning to individuals involved in the smuggling of illegal firearms into Kenya from Uganda, stating that the government has solid intelligence on those behind the trade and will soon make arrests.
Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Murkomen revealed that many of the suspects are well-known figures who use their social standing to mask criminal activity.
“Many of them wear suits and drive vehicles. We know them, we have their numbers. They are being monitored and are due to be arrested,” said Murkomen.
The Jukwaa la Usalama platform brought together key stakeholders, including elected leaders, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), opinion leaders, and security personnel, to openly address pressing issues affecting peace and public safety in the region.
Murkomen stated that intelligence-gathering efforts have already mapped out key players in the illegal arms network. He warned that the government will no longer tolerate the trade, which has been a significant contributor to insecurity in parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana counties.
“We will pick people from their villages and the comfort of their shops and homes and take them through the justice system. And we are not just warning the Pokots — the Marakwets as well,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary also sent a clear message to leaders and opinion shapers allegedly involved in the illegal trade, cautioning them not to rely on their positions for protection. “Some of these individuals think they can get away with crime because they are leaders or opinion leaders,” he said.
He underscored that the upcoming arrests would be part of “well-surveilled, intelligence-covered operations” and that those caught would face “extremely dire” consequences.
The smuggling of firearms has fueled violence, cattle rustling, and lawlessness in Kenya’s northern frontier. Previous government disarmament efforts have been hampered by porous borders, cultural practices, and political interference. Murkomen’s latest remarks signal a renewed commitment to dismantling the networks perpetuating insecurity in the region.
