Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a significant drop in banditry and livestock theft in the first quarter of 2025, crediting intensified efforts by security forces for the progress.
In a security report released on Friday, Murkomen revealed that incidents of stock theft fell to 167 cases between January and March 2025, down from 263 in the same period last year.
“In the first quarter of 2025, a total of 4,935 livestock were stolen, compared to 8,557 livestock stolen in the same period in 2024,” the Interior CS stated.
The number of lives lost to banditry also fell sharply, with 21 deaths recorded, comprising one police officer, eight civilians, and 12 suspects, compared to 58 fatalities in the first quarter of 2024.
Murkomen praised the coordinated efforts of national police and reservists, particularly in the North Rift region, which has long struggled with cattle rustling and violence.
> Everything You Need to Know about Kenya Police Ranks
Even with the progress, some problems remain. The CS pointed out that illegal small arms, the business side of livestock theft, and political interference are still major challenges.
Other issues, like fights over water and grazing land during drought, disputes over community land, and poor roads that hide criminals, also make the situation harder.
To deal with these issues, the government is putting money into better infrastructure, including roads and schools, and is providing better equipment and support for security officers.
“We are encouraged by the progress made in the first quarter, and we will keep working hard to protect these gains and make our country safer for the rest of the year,” Murkomen said.
He called on citizens to support these efforts and resist political incitement, urging leaders to stop exploiting security issues for political gain.
> Modernising Police Service Will Enhance Service Delivery
Leave a comment