Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has insisted the government has managed to drastically reduce cases of bandit attacks along the Kerio Valley.
Murkomen said there was been a drop in banditry cases by half this year compared to last year.
In a post on his social media pages on Saturday, May 24, 2025, after visiting the family of Rev. Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot Bett who was recently killed in the volatile area, the CS said progress made in cubing banditry was due to concerted efforts of various stakeholders.
“Save for a few trouble spots, peace has returned to the Valley. Incidents of banditry, for example, have reduced by 50% this year compared to 2024,” Murkomen said.
“This success is thanks to the collective efforts of our security officers, supportive members of the public, community leaders and the religious community like Fr. Alloys,” he added.
But even as fight against banditry registers successes, the CS admits that those previously involved in the criminal activities have now changed tactics.
He said after being contained, the bandits have turned to terrorising villages in hope to instill fear.
“The recent killings of civilians Bonface Ongote, Simon Njaga and now Fr. Alloys Bett reflect the change of tack by the besieged criminals,” Murkomen said.
“The government will however not relent in its effort to root out banditry and all acts of criminality in the Kerio Valley region,” he added.
Murkomen visited the family of the late Catholic priest at their home in Cheplasgei Village, Kilibwoni Division, Nandi County.
He said his death was a big blow.
“We will make sure that we hand the harshest punishment to the perpetrators of these heinous acts,” the CS pledged.
