Murkomen Addresses Gusii Community: "Your Land is Diminished; Embrace Public Cemeteries"

BY ERIC ABUGA

Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to procure 3,000 additional police officers to enhance mobility among security personnel. 

Speaking to the media in Nyamira on Friday morning, Murkomen stated that this recruitment will strengthen the government's security presence.

"We will address the gaps that have been a major challenge for many police stations across the country."

While discussing security concerns in the region, the Cabinet Secretary mentioned the alarming rates of female genital mutilation (FGM), noting that even some professionals are complicit in this practice. 

"The law outlawing such activities is in place, and we will hold our officers accountable for allowing these cases to occur."

Murkomen also announced that the Ministry will collaborate closely with the judiciary to resolve several land disputes in the area. "We must address cases of land-related murders and killings. Offenders should face severe penalties."

Regarding property succession, he highlighted that the Affordable Housing plan will help resolve land issues in the region. "People need to understand the urgency of land consolidation in both Kisii and Nyamira. If we continue to allow subdivision of land in Kenya, we risk losing our agricultural land."

He emphasized, "We need to adopt public cemeteries, similar to those in other parts of the world. There is no longer enough land to bury our relatives in small plots. We can establish decent cemeteries that are protected and managed by the county governments."

The Cabinet Secretary also announced that the government will enforce the law regarding the proceeds of crime to deal with individuals selling second-generation alcohol in Nyamira. 

"An operation will take place soon. We must protect our community. We have already identified a businesswoman involved in such activities, and it would be wise for her to cease this illegal business."

Murkomen expressed concern over the high rates of gender-based violence in the region, linking many cases to substance abuse and mental health issues. 

"It is unacceptable that young people are killing each other over romantic relationships."