Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja will next week appear before a National Assembly committee to respond to rising cases of political violence and persistent banditry attacks across the country.
The two security chiefs are expected before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security following growing concern among lawmakers over what they described as a deteriorating security situation in several regions.
Members of Parliament have raised alarm over a surge in politically instigated violence, where organised groups of youths are allegedly being hired to disrupt public gatherings, intimidate rivals and, in some instances, confront security agencies.
At the same time, banditry attacks have escalated in pastoralist areas, with armed raiders making away with large numbers of livestock, including cattle, camels, goats and sheep, leaving communities counting heavy economic losses and, in some cases, fatalities.
Committee chairperson and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo told the House that the session will provide a platform for MPs to seek answers from the Interior ministry on measures being taken to restore order.
“I do not want to pre-empt the minister’s response, but I want to assure the country that security agencies are actively addressing the situation,” Tongoyo said, noting that calm had improved in parts of the North Rift.
He urged MPs to attend the sitting scheduled for Tuesday at 10am in the Mini Chamber to interrogate both Murkomen and Kanja on the unfolding security challenges.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed that the Interior CS appear before the committee, and asked legislators affected by insecurity to present their cases directly.
“So when the minister appears before you on Tuesday, members with issues, whether you are Samburu or Meru, go before the committee…the minister will be in the mini chamber with the committee and prosecute your case,” Wetang’ula said.
The summons come amid heightened concern over deadly bandit attacks, including a recent incident in Samburu County.
Samburu Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris told the House that armed bandits suspected to have come from neighbouring Baringo County attacked Lorian village on April 13, killing a resident and stealing more than 700 livestock.
“These incidents continue to disrupt livelihoods and heighten fear among communities,” she said, calling for immediate action to secure affected areas and recover stolen animals.
Lawmakers from various regions painted a grim picture of a security apparatus struggling to contain the menace despite ongoing operations.
Turkana Central MP Joseph Namuar said banditry persists even in areas where security teams have been deployed, while Igembe Central MP Daniel Karitho questioned the effectiveness of current interventions.
“Banditry is ongoing even when we have SOG on the ground… we are still experiencing death and loss of livelihood,” Namuar said.
Concerns were also raised over logistical challenges facing security units, with Borabu MP Patrick Osero noting that officers lack adequate vehicles and equipment to track stolen livestock.
Other MPs cautioned against profiling communities, with Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli warning that cattle rustling cuts across ethnic lines and should not be politicised.
The debate underscored growing frustration among legislators, who accused security agencies of failing to decisively dismantle banditry networks despite intelligence on their operations.
Murkomen and Kanja are now expected to outline both immediate and long-term strategies to address the twin threats of political violence and banditry when they appear before the committee.
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