Why Bandits Remain a Persistent Problem: Murkomen Explains

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reported notable progress in the government’s crackdown on banditry and livestock theft, with the first quarter of 2025 showing a significant decline in incidents compared to the same period in 2024.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 3, Murkomen revealed that cases of stock theft dropped from 263 in early 2024 to 167 in the same period this year. Similarly, the number of livestock stolen fell to 4,935 from last year’s 8,557.

“Our first quarter security report covering January to March 2025 shows a substantial reduction in banditry and livestock theft,” the CS stated.

Despite the positive trend, the report confirmed the loss of 21 lives between January and March, including a police officer, eight civilians, and 12 suspected bandits.

This was, however, a marked decrease from the 58 fatalities reported during the same quarter last year.

Murkomen credited the progress to the combined efforts of the National Police Service, including the National Police Reservists (NPR), who have been actively collaborating to combat the menace.

However, he cautioned that several deep-rooted issues continue to hinder the complete eradication of banditry. Among the key challenges highlighted were:

The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons
The commercialisation of banditry, driven by accessible markets for stolen livestock
Political incitement and interference in security operations
Competition over water and pasture during drought seasons
Disputes over communal land boundaries
Criminals exploiting remote, poorly connected regions as safe havens due to lack of infrastructure and mobile coverage

Murkomen affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these barriers, pledging increased investment in infrastructure, enhanced mobility, and better equipment for security personnel.

He also called for unity and non-partisan cooperation in tackling insecurity:
“I urge Kenyans to support our security agencies and reject all forms of political incitement and retaliatory violence. Political leaders must stop politicising critical national security matters.”

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