A police officer has been arrested for allegedly supplying food and ammunition to suspected bandits at the Pokot–Turkana border, as the government intensifies its crackdown on insecurity and rogue security officers in the North Rift.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the arrest on Friday during a security meeting and public baraza at Malaso in Suguta Valley, Samburu County.
Murkomen said the officer was apprehended on Thursday while allegedly delivering food and bullets to suspected bandits operating along the Pokot–Turkana border.
“A police officer was arrested yesterday in the Pokot–Turkana area while taking food and bullets to bandits. We will take firm action against anyone found engaging in criminal activities,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the arrest underscores the government’s determination to dismantle criminal networks that continue to fuel banditry in the North Rift region.
Murkomen further revealed that investigations have uncovered cases involving rogue security officers, including members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who are allegedly involved in the illegal sale of ammunition to criminals.
“We also have rogue officers, including those in the Kenya Defence Forces, who sell ammunition to criminals. If we find them, they will face legal action, lose their jobs, and be prosecuted,” he said.
He warned that the government’s crackdown would also target financiers of banditry, livestock traders who purchase stolen animals, and individuals who provide money used to acquire ammunition for criminal groups.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the government is strengthening security operations through increased deployment of security personnel, establishment of additional security installations, improved equipment and logistical support, and the reorganisation of the National Police Reservists (NPR) to enhance operations in bandit-prone areas.
Murkomen added that the government has intensified its disarmament campaign, stepped up efforts to recover stolen livestock, and invested in the construction of security roads and expansion of mobile network coverage to improve surveillance, communication and emergency response.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied during the security tour by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Johana Tonui, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, Police Commandant Samuel Ndanyi and other senior government officials.
