Laikipia county: Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged leaders to tone down their rhetoric and be more tolerant of each other's opinions. Speaking in Laikipia County at the funeral service of Mzee Weston Kirocho, the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, which was also attended by President William Ruto, CS Murkomen reminded leaders that democracy allows for differing opinions but urged them to promote peace, respect, and unity.
According to Kenya News Agency, CS Murkomen spoke following utterances attributed to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the distribution of national resources, sparking widespread outrage. He described the late Mzee Kirocho as a man of honour and integrity and urged Kenyans to emulate his values of hard work, peace, and unity, the foundation of a stable and cohesive nation.
The CS commended the people of Laikipia County for remaining a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities despite past security challenges. "Collaboration between local leaders, national government agencies, and communities has played a vital role in maintaining peace and stability across the region," said Murkomen.
He emphasized that the government is committed to community-driven peace initiatives and youth empowerment programmes that steer young people away from crime, banditry, and cattle rustling. The CS noted that President Ruto's support to the security sector had seen banditry-prone regions such as the Kerio Valley and Laikipia County know peace after a long time. "Through modernisation of equipment, morale-boosting of officers, and strong leadership, security in banditry-affected areas has improved by nearly 75 per cent," he said.
Murkomen highlighted development as the lasting solution to insecurity in marginalised parts of the country. "In this part of the country, the challenge remains in Mukogodo Forest and parts of Samburu County, where road construction and infrastructure development plans are underway to improve accessibility and enhance security operations," he added. He went on: "As a government, we are prioritising community partnership and youth inclusion as central pillars of lasting peace and development."
While recognising the significant gains in security, the CS noted that illicit brews and illegal alcohol remain a persistent concern, particularly in Nyeri County, which ranks 17th among the most affected regions. Murkomen assured the public that relevant government agencies are intensifying operations to dismantle illicit brewing networks, protect public health, and restore social order, especially in communities hardest hit by the vice.