CS Murkomen: Rogue Security Officers Fueling Drug and Alcohol Trade in Trans Nzoia
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over the rising illegal alcohol and drug trade in Trans Nzoia County, citing collusion between some security personnel and perpetrators of the trade.
Speaking on Monday, CS Murkomen revealed that the continued presence of contraband in the region is partly due to protection from select police officers, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), assistant chiefs, and chiefs. He warned that such collusion is endangering the county’s youth and undermining law enforcement efforts.
To tackle this menace, we are deploying a special team from the Inspector General’s office in Nairobi to dismantle the networks fueling the illegal trade, Murkomen said. He added that influential figures, including prominent businesspeople, are implicated in bribing officials to facilitate the trade.
The CS emphasized the need for a coordinated government response, calling for support from both the legislature and judiciary to effectively address the problem. He also assured the public that any security officers found culpable will face disciplinary action, including dismissal, rather than transfer.
Murkomen highlighted similar challenges in neighboring counties, including Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Baringo, which face high incidences of smuggling due to border vulnerabilities. He noted that the completion of the One Stop Border Post at Suam—set to be commissioned by Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni—will help streamline trade, boost government revenue, and curb contraband flows.
The CS said previous logistical challenges, such as land for parking and housing at the border post, have been resolved, paving the way for affordable housing to support border operations.