Interior CS kipchumba Murkomen during Jukwaa La Usalama in Nandi County. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen X.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has lessened his stand against bandits terrorising Northern region, pleading them to surrender their firearms in exchange with scholarship and affordable housing jobs.
Speaking during Jukwaa La Usalama Elgeyo Marakwet Edition, on Friday, Murkomen cited how banditry has destabilized and undermined security of the region by destroying peoples livelihoods and impoverishing the region further.
He appealed to bandits to take up the offer to surrender their firearms to get leniency from the government, which would in turn offer scholarships to technical colleges to help them acquire practical skills.
“We are extending an olive branch to all people with firearms and have participated in criminal activities to present themselves before police officers. I am ready to work with relevant agencies, surrender your gun, we’ll take you to a technical college and a construction site to go and build affordable housing instead of engaging in these acts,” he pleaded.
According to Murkomen, the opportunity will give them an honest source of income and make it easier for them to be integrated back to the community.
He cautioned the bandits against exchanging fire with the police, as it could lead to more casualties including lose of lives, affirming that no one will be blamed after the altercation.
“But if they continue to engage in banditry, you have no one to blame. I want to ask parents who know their children are engaging in banditry to persuade them to take the safest means,” he cautioned.
During his Jukwaa La Usalama West Pokot Edition, he expressed that the government is planning to rebuild schools in the region that were destroyed by bandits in the region, after a decree by President William Ruto.
The CS was accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja and DIG Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Governor Wisley Rotich and Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek, among other leaders from the county.
He emphasized that the Jukwaa La Usalama gives security heads an opportunity and platform to air security concerns in their area of operation.
About the Author
