Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, mandating the arming of chiefs and assistant chiefs in border and insecurity-prone regions by December 2025.
This move aims to enhance local administration officers’ ability to manage security challenges effectively.
The directive follows a series of consultations with security teams from counties such as Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Samburu.
In these areas, chiefs have expressed concerns about their safety while performing duties related to cattle rustling, land disputes, and political violence.
Murkomen emphasized that chiefs and their assistants who feel their lives are at risk should be registered as National Police Reservists (NPRs) and equipped with firearms for self-defense.
The Interior Ministry has also announced that all chiefs and assistant chiefs in Mandera County will undergo training before being armed. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address insecurity in the region.
While the move has been welcomed by local administrators, it has sparked debates about the implications of arming civilian officials and the potential impact on community relations and security dynamics.
The government plans to monitor the implementation of this directive closely and assess its effectiveness in improving security in the affected areas.
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