Murkomen: Financers of criminal gangs will be arrested, charged

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaking in Mombasa on April 7, 2025 / MINA

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has warned persons who allegedly finance criminal gangs in the coastal region.

The CS said that those found guilty will be arrested and charged.

Murkomen is touring Mombasa County for a security consultative meeting dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama.

“The government effort to eradicate gangs and insecurity cases in Mombasa has been successful because of good relationships and cooperation between security agencies and local leaders,” he said.

The CS added that hundreds of Panga Boys members, a local criminal gang, have been arrested in an operation by the National Police Service.

On Monday, the CS held a town hall meeting at the Kenya Maritime Authority Amphitheatre to engage leaders, regional and county security teams, National Government Administration Officers and peace committees on strategies to enhance security, peace, and cohesion.

He announced that plans are underway to enable promotion, better remuneration, and welfare for chiefs and other administrative officers.

The CS also announced plans to recruit 10,000 police officers in the next financial year to boost security in the country.

CS Murkomen said that the Interior Ministry will formulate a policy to promote and reward performing security officers.

He warned those underperforming, stating they will be relieved of their duties.

The CS commended the role played by media in efforts to promote security and safeguard the nation; he said he will meet members of the fourth estate to engage them more.

The CS also called on local leaders to complement government efforts in an effort to eradicate drug and substance abuse among youths in Mombasa.

He was joined by PSs Raymond Omollo ( Internal Security and National Administration) and Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), elected leaders led by Senator Mohammed Faki, among others.

Murkomen’s coast region tour, which began on April 7 and ends on Saturday, April 12, 2024, is part of the ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama County Tours initiative.

The week-long visit will see CS Murkomen assess the security situation across the counties while engaging local leaders, regional and county security teams, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and peace committees.

This will be Murkomen’s first major countrywide tour since his appointment as CS Interior following a reshuffle by President William Ruto.

The tour is seen as a part of a broader strategy to strengthen peace, cohesion, and community collaboration in tackling security challenges.

Among the top priorities for the tour is evaluating the region’s disaster preparedness amidst increasing threats posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

The CS is also expected to interact directly with residents to gather feedback on the effectiveness and accessibility of citizen services provided by the government.