Murkomen’s Statement as Heavily Armed Gunmen Invade, Take Control of Part of His County

Elgeyo Marakwet County Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed concern over rising cases of insecurity in some parts of his county.

In a statement released on Friday night, Murkomen singled out Endo Ward, Marakwet East Sub-county where he said dozens of heavily armed civilian gunmen from neighbouring areas had taken control of the ward and was attacking innocent residents.

“The gunmen today, without even the desire to steal a cat, sprayed bullets on a hapless mother and her two children in the outskirts of Liter trading centre, a few metres away from Liter Girls Sec School, killing them instantly. As if they were dissatisfied with the silence of the security forces, they cued their accomplices to attack Kapkobil, a stone throw away from Tot Police Station and about 4km from Tot GSU camp. This group executed the command with military precision - it killed a senior county agricultural officer!” he said.

File image of Senator Murkomen, CS Matiang'i and others leaders at a peace meeting in Kerio Valley. [Photo: Courtesy]

According to Murkomen, tension is high in the entire Kerio Valley covering Marakwet East and West, despite attempts by the government to maintain calm by deploying a special Deputy County Commissioner in the area a few weeks ago.

The Senator further noted that he has spoken to Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang'i who assured him that intensified security response in the area will start today (Saturday) morning.

“I really hope that the state will act ruthlessly this time around and deal a deadly blow to these terrorist. I understand that the EMC people have lost faith in the state security forces. I don't understand why locals shouldn't be allowed to provide legitimate support to our security personnel. I am yet to understand this wisdom of disarming Kenya Police Reserve. I hope this will be considered one day as a lasting solution to this man-made menace,” he divulged.