Murkomen Orders Crackdown on Rising Goonism in Uasin Gishu

Murkomen Orders Crackdown on Rising Goonism in Uasin Gishu

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to intensify operations against what he described as a growing wave of hooliganism and criminal activity in Uasin Gishu County, warning that the government will not tolerate lawlessness in the region.

Murkomen issued the directive on Saturday, March 28, while speaking during the funeral of Mzee Elkana Terigin in Cheptiret, an area within Eldoret, amid increasing reports of organised gangs and politically linked groups engaging in violent activities.

The CS expressed concern over what he termed a rising culture of impunity, particularly in Eldoret, where incidents involving alleged “goons” have been reported in recent weeks.

“I have directed the county security team that no one will be favoured or treated as special. This is the President’s backyard, and we must decisively deal with all goons,” Murkomen said.

He emphasised that the situation was especially troubling given that the county is the political home of President William Ruto, adding that law enforcement must act firmly and impartially regardless of political affiliations.

Murkomen warned that individuals or groups attempting to exploit political connections to shield criminal activities would face the full force of the law, noting that restoring order in the region remains a top priority for the national government.

In addition to urban incidents, the CS raised alarm over emerging reports of criminal gangs targeting victims of road accidents in areas such as Cheptiret. He called for enhanced police patrols and improved mobility to ensure swift response to such incidents.

Security officials in the region have since been tasked with strengthening surveillance and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling organised groups linked to violence and intimidation.

At the same time, Murkomen addressed ongoing investigations into the discovery of mass graves in Kericho County, revealing that at least six suspects had been arrested in connection with the case.

“What happened is not acceptable. There was a court order for the disposal of bodies from Nyamira County Referral Hospital, and that order had the exact number of bodies to be disposed of. That was not supposed to be done in darkness,” he stated.

The CS further alleged that preliminary findings point to possible collusion between officials from the Nyamira County government and the caretaker of Makaburini Public Cemetery in Kericho, where the bodies were discovered.

According to Murkomen, the burial process deviated from legal and procedural requirements, raising serious concerns about accountability and transparency within local health management systems.

“The County Government of Nyamira, especially the one in charge of that facility, organised in a clandestine manner a burial that happened in an improper manner. They have all been arrested, and they will be charged,” he added.

The remarks signal a broader government crackdown not only on criminal gangs but also on alleged institutional failures linked to the handling of public health and burial procedures.

Analysts say the dual focus on law enforcement and accountability reflects growing pressure on the government to address security concerns and governance issues simultaneously, particularly in regions considered politically significant.

Residents in Uasin Gishu have welcomed the directive, though some have called for sustained action rather than short-term operations, citing previous instances where similar crackdowns yielded limited long-term impact.

As investigations into both the goonism incidents and the Kericho mass grave case continue, authorities say more arrests are likely, with assurances that those found culpable will face prosecution.

The developments underscore the government’s renewed emphasis on restoring public confidence in security institutions and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld across all regions without exception.

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Murkomen Orders Crackdown on Rising Goonism in Uasin Gishu