Murkomen declares parts of Marsabit dangerous as crackdown on banditry, hate mongering intensify
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared parts of Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous areas following escalating banditry and inter-communal violence.
The declaration, made in consultation with the National Security Council and the National Police Service, was published in the Kenya Gazette.
Murkomen said the move was undertaken under Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, which allows the government to enforce special security measures in areas facing severe instability.
The order, which took effect last Thursday at 6:30 p.m., will remain in force for 30 days, subject to extension or withdrawal depending on the evolving security situation.
The affected zones include 13 localities in Marsabit, most bearing the “Hillo” designation.
These are Hillo Gorgora, 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 and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
Authorities say the areas have experienced repeated attacks linked to inter-community conflict, leaving residents exposed to persistent insecurity.
Following the declaration, Inspector General Douglas Kanja directed residents in the affected areas to immediately surrender illegal firearms, warning that strict enforcement measures would follow.
Security agencies say the directive is aimed at reducing armed attacks and restoring order in the volatile region, where violence has largely been driven by long-standing ethnic tensions, competition over grazing land and recurring livestock raids.
Retaliatory attacks among neighbouring communities have further entrenched the cycle of violence.
The move comes amid growing concern over insecurity in northern Kenya, particularly in areas near international borders with Ethiopia and South Sudan, where travel advisories have warned of heightened banditry risks.
This marks the second such declaration in under a month, following similar orders in parts of Laikipia County, Meru County and Isiolo County due to rising insecurity.
Meanwhile, in Garissa County, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested a suspect linked to a viral video allegedly containing inciteful remarks.
In a statement, the DCI said Sahara Ahmed Barre was taken into custody after investigators reviewed the video, which is believed to have called for attacks against non-local communities following the killing of a taxi driver near Modika junction.
The suspect remains in custody pending processing and possible arraignment as investigations continue.
The DCI cautioned that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and within the law.
The office of the DCI Director Mohammed Amin warned that statements likely to incite division, hatred or threaten peaceful coexistence will be dealt with firmly, and urged the public to refrain from sharing inflammatory content.
