By Emmaculate Lesa
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, was in Nakuru County for the ‘Jukwa la usalama.’
The CS noted that Nakuru County boasts a fast-growing diversified economy underpinned by sectors such as agriculture, tourism, trade, energy and industry.
Its rich agricultural lands, multi-ethnic population and growing urban centres have given rise to some security concerns that require our constant attention.
Land conflicts between communities and the invasion of public land pose a security threat as individuals and communities compete for ownership of some parcels of land across the county.
“We are taking steps to resolve the matter amicably through a multi-agency approach involving the Ministry of Lands, affected institutions and communities, and leaders,” said
According to the Interior CS, the situation is being made worse by incitement from politicians who are “hellbent on stoking ethnic tensions to achieve selfish political ends.”
Security leaders vowed to take stern action against any politician found inciting ethnic divisions in the county.
Additionally, Murkomen noted that the county is facing a recurring gang problem.
Although largely contained by security agencies, these gangs continue to operate through petty theft and drug sales. In response, an immediate crackdown on drug trafficking has been ordered, alongside intensified police patrols in hotspot areas.
Furthermore, authorities also raised alarm over public health risks linked to fishing in Lake Nakuru.
They have warned that Lake Nakuru fish is ‘toxic and dangerous to humans’ and that fishing on the lake remains strictly prohibited.
However, illegal fishing is widespread. Measures to address the problem include collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service to conduct public sensitisation, arrest and prosecute offenders, and deploy technology for enforcement.