Murkomen pledges long-term security measures amid rising concerns

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Interior Cabinet Secretary Sen Kipchumba Murkomen has today, during Question Time, defended the government’s handling of key national concerns, including the deteriorating state of Nyayo House, rising insecurity in Kirinyaga, and unresolved killings in Tana River.

𝑵𝒚𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅

Responding to Sen Hamida Kibwana, Murkomen acknowledged Nyayo House’s poor condition, stating that the 42-year-old building accommodates 58 government departments. The State Department for Public Works estimated repairs at KES 244 million, which the ministry currently lacks. Planned renovations will prioritise select office floors and washrooms used by the Immigration Department.

𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒚𝒂𝒈𝒂

Sen James Murango (Kirinyaga) raised concerns over escalating crime in Kerugoya and Ngurubani towns, including two recent murders and violent gang attacks. Murkomen said police have intensified patrols, launched special operations and strengthened collaboration with community policing groups. Investigations into the January 24 shooting of Mr Murimi are ongoing, but no arrests have been made.

𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕

Sen Danson Mungatana (Tana River) pressed Murkomen on the lack of arrests following the 29 December 2024, killing of Isaac Jarso by suspected Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers. The CS confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requesting additional ballistic tests. He insisted action would be taken against those found culpable but gave no timeframe.

𝑫𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔

Sen Beatrice Ogolla questioned the government’s preparedness for future disasters after the devastation caused by last year’s heavy rains. Murkomen said emergency response measures have been enhanced, including early warning systems, rapid evacuations and relief aid distribution. 

𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒏𝒂

Sen James Lomenen (Turkana) sought clarity on efforts to curb chronic livestock theft and banditry in Turkana. Murkomen said the government is deploying additional security forces, conducting disarmament, and strengthening border control. However, he admitted the region’s insecurity remains a long-term challenge.

Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term security strategies and law enforcement reforms.