Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has promised to intensify its crackdown on powerful individuals in Kerio Valley, believed to be supplying arms to locals.
Speaking in Kapenguria town during the 16th edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama country tours, Murkomen put on notice individuals fueling insecurity in the region by smuggling weapons.
Murkomen noted that the suspects have taken advantage of our porous international borders to smuggle the guns and bullets.
He announced that they are under active investigations and vowed that no one will be spared, irrespective of their status in society.
“We have a challenge with our porous borders both locally and with neighbouring nations. The small routes are accessed by criminals, and this leads to the proliferation of small arms,” the CS noted.
He particularly issued a stern warning to individuals dressed in suits disguised as upright citizens but engaging in illegal activity.
“Those hiding in suits, we are monitoring you. You are on our radar and very soon you will be arrested,” Murkomen said.
The CS stressed that the government is committed to restoring peace in the region and will not condone individuals who will jeopardise the efforts.
“These criminals need to behave. Mtu asijfanye clever by buying guns to sell to our young people to make money,” Murkomen said.
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Consequences Against Gun Smuggling
He warned gun smugglers, stating that they will face severe consequences for their actions.
Murkomen said the police have launched investigations to identify individuals benefiting the illegal trade.
“The consequences will be extremely dire. It’s like the saying, ‘when you rattle a snake,” he stated.
“The National Police Service and other relevant agencies are investigating the suspects. We will soon be picking people from their homes.”
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Murkomen Warns Against Contraband Goods
Similarly, the CS took issue with the smuggling of contraband goods into the country.
He revealed that some people are buying substandard goods and not paying taxes.
Murkomen mentioned that contraband goods are imported from neighbouring countries and end up hurting innocent Kenyans.
“Contraband goods from neighbouring countries are also hurting our people, especially the youth. Drugs, cheap alcohol are packed and sold to unsuspecting clients. Many young people are having their lives wasted through imports and other manufactured goods,” he said.
Murkomen was speaking to journalists in Kapenguria after a closed-door security briefing on the status of security in West Pokot County at the county commissioner’s office.
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