Murkomen Declares 13 Marsabit Areas as Dangerous Amid Rising Insecurity

Murkomen Declares 13 Marsabit Areas as Dangerous Amid Rising Insecurity

The government has officially declared 13 areas in Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous, intensifying a disarmament crackdown in the violence-hit region.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the declaration through a Gazette Notice dated July 1, extending an earlier order issued on May 9, 2025.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration extends the declaration,” the notice read.

The 13 affected areas include:

• Hillo Orofa
• Hillo Walkite
• Hillo Tanzania
• Hillo Irress Abamartille
• Hillo Gootu
• Hillo Tessum
• Qalicha
• Hillo Karray
• Hillo Hudda
• Hillo Qoranjido
• Hillo Irress Shindia
• Hillo Rabaalee
• Hillo Haroressa

“This notice shall take effect on July 11, 2025, from 6:30 pm, for 30 days,” the Gazette added.
“It may be withdrawn or extended further at the discretion of the Cabinet Secretary.”

The decision followed intense consultations with the National Security Council, signaling the government’s heightened concern over escalating violence and lawlessness in the region.

Backing the move, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered an immediate firearm ban in the designated areas.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 106(2)(a)… the Inspector-General of Police prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County,” Kanja stated.

He instructed all residents with firearms to surrender them to the nearest police station or National Government Administration office.

“Upon the taking effect of this notice, all inhabitants are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms,” he warned.

Kanja clarified that lawfully owned firearms would be returned once the dangerous status is lifted.

“All firearms surrendered will be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of the notice,” he assured.

This strong action comes as Marsabit continues to grapple with ethnic clashes, cattle rustling, and organized militia activity, which have left many families displaced and lives lost.

Security agencies have intensified patrols, launched intelligence operations, and now aim to disarm rogue groups.

“We must restore peace and order in these troubled regions,” a senior police official told the press under anonymity.

Citizens and local leaders have expressed mixed reactions, with some fearing an increase in tension, while others welcomed the intervention.

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Murkomen Declares 13 Marsabit Areas as Dangerous Amid Rising Insecurity