BUSIA, Kenya – Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen has issued warnings to criminal gangs, signalling increased scrutiny and potential crackdowns.
Speaking in Busia County, where he presided over the 34th Jukwaa la Usalama security and service delivery county engagement, CS Murkomen urged the gangs to surrender or face legal consequences.
“Busia County is now calm and peaceful after gangs were contained thanks to the effective interventions from our security teams working in close collaboration with their Ugandan counterparts,” said the CS.
In his own words, the CS went on: “While we are pleased with the progress of this fight, which has seen arrests and the prosecution of gang leaders, our security agencies are on high alert to deal with these gangs decisively in Busia and elsewhere in the country.”
CS Murkomen further observed that smuggling of contraband goods, particularly ethanol and illicit alcohol, continues to pose a challenge.
“While we acknowledge the improved surveillance efforts by our multi-agency teams, which have led to the seizure of drugs and smuggled goods, we must take further deterrent measures to combat this menace,” added the CS.
He also disclosed that his ministry had embarked on asset recovery, even as they work towards harmonising their licensing and regulatory framework in the East African Community to make enforcement seamless.
“Additionally, the Kenya Coast Guard Service is essential for our blue economy to thrive. To enhance the enforcement of legal fishing and the safety of fishermen, we are boosting the capacity of the Service by increasing the number of staff, the use of modern technology and vessels,” the CS revealed.
Who accompanied CS Murkomen to the public engagements
Further, CS Murkomen said that his ministry is working with the responsible ministry to resolve the mining-related safety and security challenges in the county.
During the town hall engagements, CS Murkomen was joined by the Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Deputy Governor Arthur Odera, MPs Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i), Joseph Oyula (Butula), Catherine Omanyo (Woman Rep), County Assembly Speaker Fredrick Odilo and MCAs, among other leaders.
Earlier, the CS assessed ID and civil registration exercises at the Busia Huduma Centre as part of his ministry’s Jukwaa La Usalama tour of the county.
“I was gratified to note that many residents are taking advantage of our reforms, which include the abolition of the extra-vetting requirement for ID applicants from border counties,” said CS Murkomen.
Why the National and county governments should collaborate
To ensure more residents conveniently access birth certificate services, the CS disclosed that the government plans to increase civil registration centres in the county in the next three months.
The CS observed that close collaboration between the National and county governments is critical for effective service delivery in the grassroots.
He spoke when he met with Governor Otuoma after arriving in the area for the Jukwaa La Usalama tour of the county.
“I commended the County Government of Busia for working closely with us and urged more support in the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs in the county, which is bearing fruit,” the CS said during a courtesy call to the county boss.
He was also accompanied by Deputy Inspector General (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora and Western Regional Commissioner Samson Irungu, among other senior Government officials.
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