Land disputes and murder top security concerns in Upper Eastern Region, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has said.
According to Mr Murkomen, one of the serious crimes in the region is that of murder resulting from family, relatives, and individuals fighting for land.
“We are dealing here with serious cases of people killing each other because of land disputes among family members,” said the CS.
He noted that disputes arise from competition for resources, going by the growing population and pressure piling among families.
“This is one of the issues we are looking into,” said the CS.
Besides land, there were also concerns about road accidents caused by vehicles ferrying miraa, and the unconducive working relationship among officers from different disciplines.
He decried persistent road accidents by speeding vehicles transporting miraa.
“The county security committee team is scheduled to meet officials from KeNHA and NTSA to discuss the high road carnage, and I also invite those in charge of Miraa business to attend the meeting,” said the CS.
Mr Murkomen said the cooperation of the various players will help reduce road accidents, necessarily lost due to reckless driving.
The CS also weighed in on the relationship among officers, stressing the importance of the team spirit.
He appealed to the officers to cultivate a healthy working relationship that will make police stations centres of excellence for the public and build trust.
“The community should see the police stations as friendly and not centres of terror and fear. The stations should be safe, peaceful, and welcoming. There is a high level of accountability required of all public officers,” stated the CS.
At the Townhall meeting at the Regional Commissioner’s residence, the police, NGOs, and the public shared their frustrations, especially on the drugs menace, political interference, and unfriendly stations.
The CS stressed that Jukwaa la Usalama is focused on getting feedback to inform policy decisions and regulations, as well as proposing legislation and administrative action.
“We are not here to sing praises but avert future crises by addressing security issues without delays,” assured the CS.
