NAROK, Kenya, Jun 24 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly condemned police brutality in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, apologizing to residents for abuses allegedly committed by law enforcement officers and ordering investigations into the conduct of those involved.
Speaking during a security meeting at Kabusia Primary School in Angata Barrikoi Division on Wednesday, Murkomen described the actions of the officers as unlawful and a stain on both the National Police Service and the government.
“I condemn and ask for forgiveness on behalf of the government for the beatings and loss of property you suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers recently,” Murkomen said. “As a Cabinet Secretary and a lawyer, what happened here is against the law.”
The school grounds served as a symbolic venue for the meeting, having been among the locations affected during a security operation that followed cattle-rustling incidents in neighboring areas and sparked allegations of police excesses.
Murkomen said reports of residents being assaulted, homes vandalized and property destroyed had deeply troubled the government and could not be justified under any circumstances.
“What happened here has brought shame to our nation, to the Ministry of Security and to the citizens of Angata Barrikoi,” he said.
“There is no reason whatsoever why innocent people should be attacked, beaten, have their property destroyed and be subjected to brutality because of crimes allegedly committed by a few individuals.”
In a rare public apology from a senior government official over police conduct, Murkomen told residents that security officers are mandated to protect citizens, not violate their rights.
“I would like to apologize to all the citizens of Angata Barrikoi who were hurt because of the brutal actions of police officers who were supposed to protect the people, not beat them, oppress them and steal their property,” he said.
The Interior CS announced that he had directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately commence internal investigations into the allegations and ensure officers found culpable face disciplinary and legal action.
He said the probe would seek to establish responsibility for reported assaults, destruction of businesses and theft of property during the operation.
“All those officers who were involved in these crimes will face legal action,” Murkomen said. “They have brought shame to the police service and damaged the relationship between citizens and the government.”
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the Constitution protects every Kenyan from arbitrary treatment and abuse by state officers, warning that any violation of those rights would attract consequences.
Murkomen’s visit comes against the backdrop of a long-running and often violent dispute over approximately 6,500 acres of land in Angata Barrikoi, an area that has experienced recurring clashes, displacement of residents and destruction of property for years.
The region has recently witnessed renewed tensions, with violent confrontations leaving several people dead and others injured. Hundreds of residents have reportedly been displaced after more than 30 houses were torched, forcing families to seek refuge in nearby schools.
Authorities have linked some of the recent unrest to cattle-rustling incidents and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the wider Trans Mara and Kuria regions.
In response, Murkomen issued a seven-day ultimatum to individuals illegally possessing firearms in Trans Mara South, Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties to surrender the weapons voluntarily.
He warned that security agencies would launch operations to recover the firearms once the deadline expires.
“We cannot allow illegal weapons to continue fueling insecurity and violence in this region,” he said.
The government has pledged to strengthen security operations in the area while pursuing lasting solutions to the recurring conflicts, which have repeatedly disrupted livelihoods and undermined peace among local communities.
