NAIROBI, Kenya, October 7, 2026 — Fourteen people were killed and 17 injured between June and September as banditry, cattle rustling and inter-community conflicts continued to plague parts of Samburu, Meru and Isiolo, despite intensified government security operations.

📻 Breaking It Down

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security that the overall security situation had improved, but acknowledged that insecurity remained a threat to lives, livelihoods and economic activity in the affected areas.

“Overall, the security situation in the affected areas has improved compared with previous periods,” Murkomen said.

The government has stepped up operations against banditry and illegal firearms, deploying specialised security units, establishing additional security camps and recruiting and training National Police Reservists.

📌 What You Need to Know

Between June and September, security agencies recovered 3,221 livestock out of 4,306 reported stolen.

The government also recovered 2,395 illegal firearms between September 2025 and September 2026 as part of efforts to curb armed attacks and cattle rustling.

Murkomen attributed the persistent insecurity to the proliferation of illegal firearms, retaliatory attacks, competition over water and pasture, and the availability of markets for stolen livestock.

He also cited poor road and communication networks, historical marginalisation and limited economic opportunities as factors complicating efforts to restore lasting peace.

Murkomen highlighted the September 16 attack in Samburu in which five people were killed, including two police officers, a National Police Reservist and two civilians.

He said security agencies had intensified follow-up operations and efforts to recover government equipment stolen during the attack.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya