Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised the alarm over a new trend in the fight against insecurity in the Kerio Valley region, revealing that criminal gangs are retreating into local communities and shifting their tactics to evade intensified government crackdowns.
Speaking when he visited the family of the late Rev. Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett in Cheplasgei Village, Nandi County, CS Murkomen condemned the recent killing of the priest, attributing it to a desperate attempt by criminals to destabilize the region through targeted acts of terror.
“Following the intense crackdown on banditry and cattle rustling, resulting in numerous arrests, the bandits have retreated to the community where they carry out other criminal activities,” Murkomen stated. “Lately, they have resorted to acts of terror to instill fear in the community, security personnel, and peace actors in the hope that the government will scale down the operation.”
Murkomen noted that the Kerio Valley has seen a significant improvement in security, with incidents of banditry reducing by 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year. He attributed the progress to coordinated efforts between security officers, local leaders, religious institutions, and the public.
The murder of Fr. Alloys, along with recent civilian killings including Boniface Ongote and Simon Njaga, signals what Murkomen described as a “change of tack” by embattled criminal elements who now aim to sabotage peacebuilding efforts by targeting influential community figures.
“The government will not relent in its effort to root out banditry and all acts of criminality in the Kerio Valley region. We mourn those whom we have lost to these senseless acts, but we are confident that our efforts will lead to lasting peace,” the CS affirmed.
He urged residents to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to expose and isolate criminals hiding among them, adding that perpetrators will face the harshest penalties possible under the law.
Murkomen was accompanied by several leaders, including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit, DIG-KPS Eliud Lagat, area MCA Geoffrey Chemalan, and Nandi Central DCC Jillet Jillo.
