Kenya’s security situation has been a topic of concern for many Kenyans, especially in regions like the North Rift that continue to experience banditry and violent crime. Since Kipchumba Murkomen took over as the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Interior Ministry in December 2024, there has been a lot of debate about whether the country is now safer or more exposed.
Official figures show that banditry-related deaths dropped from 58 in the first three months of 2024 to 21 during the same period in 2025. While this appears to be a positive trend, the general feeling on the ground is that insecurity still lingers, with many people in vulnerable regions saying that they continue to live in fear.
Reports of weekly attacks in places like Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana are still common, and this has caused serious doubt about the current administration’s ability to fully secure the nation. When compared to the previous leadership under Kithure Kindiki, many Kenyans feel that Murkomen’s performance has not measured up.
Kindiki, who served as Interior CS from 2022 to 2024 and is now the Deputy President, had a hands-on approach to fighting crime and improving coordination among security agencies. His tenure saw active dismantling of bandit camps, increased military presence in hotspots, and enhanced police operations in terrorism-prone areas like the North Eastern region.
He was known for a direct communication style and practical follow-ups, and many leaders and citizens appreciated the visible efforts to keep communities safe. Under Murkomen, critics argue that although some operations are happening, the impact has not been strongly felt. His focus has mostly been on explanations and press briefings, while communities continue to suffer.
This frustration has spilled into the political space. Senators like Samson Cherargei and Boni Khalwale have openly criticized Murkomen’s leadership, calling him incompetent and accusing him of arrogance. Cherargei recently posted online that Murkomen’s leadership is costing lives and warned of rising insecurity across the country. Khalwale went further and asked Murkomen to resign if he cannot protect innocent people from being slaughtered in their homes.
These strong statements reflect a growing lack of confidence in the current leadership of the Interior Ministry.
Although Murkomen has tried to explain the situation by pointing to factors like illegal firearms, local political interference, and harsh environmental conditions, many Kenyans still feel that these explanations do not justify the slow response. The general mood suggests that the country needs stronger action, not excuses.
Murkomen’s critics want more than just promises they want results they can see. Unlike Kindiki, who often accompanied security teams on the ground and showed commitment through action, Murkomen is viewed by some as detached and too reliant on public relations tactics.There is also a concern that the government’s response to victims of insecurity is too slow. While the state has introduced some compensation measures for families affected by banditry, these efforts have been seen as insufficient and poorly coordinated.
People are calling for a deeper strategy that not only responds to attacks but also prevents them through intelligence gathering, community involvement, and better deployment of security resources.In the end, while there has been some improvement in numbers, the overall perception is that Kenya’s security is not in safe hands. The difference in leadership styles between Kindiki and Murkomen is now at the centre of public debate. Kindiki left a record of action, while Murkomen is still struggling to build public trust. With rising political pressure and ongoing insecurity in key regions, the government must act fast to avoid further loss of life and to restore public confidence in the Interior Ministry.
