Fresh vetting ordered for NPR officers in Kerio Valley over banditry links

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement during a high-level security meeting with regional commanders, citing concerns that some NPR officers may have been collaborating with criminal elements.

After nearly six hours of deliberations with top security officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Murkomen said the government had received credible reports implicating some reservists in aiding criminal gangs.

 "Kuna ripoti kuwa baadhi yenu wamekuwa wakifanya kazi na wahalifu," CS Murkomen said. 

The Interior CS added that fresh vetting was necessary to restore public trust and weed out rogue officers within the ranks.

Alongside the vetting exercise, Murkomen announced a series of reforms aimed at streamlining security operations. A key change will see NPR officers reporting directly to station commanders to enhance accountability.

Murkomen: "Hawa NPR watakuwa chini ya OCS..."

In a move to further bolster security in high-risk regions, the CS disclosed that chiefs who have completed paramilitary training and whose safety is deemed at risk will now be allowed to carry firearms.

Despite these interventions, insecurity remains a pressing concern. Just hours before Murkomen’s address, a convoy traveling from Tangulbei to Marigat in Baringo County was ambushed by suspected bandits.

In the attack at Moinonin, along the Marigat-Loruk road, a woman was shot dead and three other passengers were injured.

The attack comes barely a week after two people were killed in a similar incident at Loberer, along the same highway, highlighting the persistent danger facing travelers in the region.

The security meeting, convened at the Chesongoch Sisters Facility in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, brought together senior security officials and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) from Marakwet East, Baringo West, Tiaty, Kerio Valley, and Pokot Central sub-counties. Murkomen emphasized that restoring peace in the Kerio Valley remains a top government priority.