Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the country remains safe and secure, even as security agencies stay vigilant and on high alert against any active threats.
As the country approaches the election campaign period, he also asked leaders to unite and collaborate to ensure campaigns are free of gangs and goons, thereby safeguarding our country’s peace and stability.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security at County Hall, Nairobi, Murkomen, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining law and order nationwide.
Accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, the CS noted that concerns about gangs and organised criminal groups have been consistently raised, including during recent Jukwaa la Usalama engagements across the country.
“The issue of gangs and goons is not just a security concern, but a national responsibility. We must work in unity, leaders, communities, and security agencies to decisively eliminate this threat,” he added.
The Committee was briefed on the state of national security, including crime trends over the past six months, high-incidence areas, measures to combat violent crime, advancements in surveillance technology, and the country’s crisis response and emergency preparedness.
The CS said the overall security situation remains largely stable, with a notable decline in reported crime over the past six months.
Nevertheless, isolated challenges persist, including banditry in parts of the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions, terrorism threats in North Eastern, and increasing gang-related activities in major urban centres such as Nakuru, Nairobi, and Mombasa.
“Investigative agencies are actively pursuing perpetrators of gang-related violence, with several cases at advanced stages,” he said.
The CS said three suspects believed to have been involved in the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have already been arrested, while others are reported to have fled the country.
He said 14 of the suspects had flown to the neighboring country and efforts to arrest them were ongoing.
“We are working closely with security agencies in neighbouring countries to ensure that all suspects who fled the country are arrested and brought to justice.”
The CS reiterated the government’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding all Kenyans, preserving national stability, and ensuring a peaceful environment before, during, and after the election period.
Members of Parliament wanted to know what the police have done to address the chaos witnessed in the past months.
There have been instances where goons attack believed opponents for political gains.
