Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for a one-off budget allocation to finalize investigations into the Shakahola tragedy within the next three to four months. The funds, he said, would also go toward establishing a memorial site for the unidentified victims.
“The resources required are substantial, but we are seeking a one-time budget to bring this probe to a close and designate a site for the monument,” Murkomen stated.
He condemned the Shakahola massacre as a clear case of religious extremism and radicalization, lamenting that it should have been detected and prevented much earlier.
“Whether it was due to neglect or deliberate inaction by security officers between 2020 and 2021, those found culpable will be held accountable. We will follow the evidence wherever it leads, and prosecutions will follow,” he assured.
Murkomen also criticized the failure to act on intelligence reports, describing it as a regrettable lapse. “Governments operate in perpetuity. It’s unfortunate that someone received intelligence and failed to act on it,” he said.
He further emphasized that members of the public also had a role to play. “As citizens and good neighbors, people should have raised the alarm about the activities that eventually led to the deaths of over 500 individuals.”
Addressing broader concerns in the region, Murkomen identified substance abuse as a growing threat requiring a comprehensive, society-wide response.
On the state of law enforcement, he affirmed that initiatives to improve the welfare of police officers and administrative staff were underway. He revealed that around half of the police stations across the country, along with 40% of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), currently lack vehicles.
To address the shortfall, the government is in the final stages of leasing 5,000 vehicles and motorcycles—a process spearheaded by the National Treasury.
Additionally, the planned recruitment of 10,000 new police officers is expected to ease staffing shortages and enhance operational efficiency. “Rotation remains a challenge, particularly in high-risk border areas. This recruitment drive will help address that,” Murkomen noted, responding to concerns over long-serving officers potentially being compromised by local criminal networks.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Murkomen assured residents that their safety remains a top priority. “Measures are in place to address these issues,” he said.
The CS made the remarks during a visit to Kilifi County, where he was accompanied by PS for Correctional Services Salome Beacco, local MPs, MCAs, and senior security officials.
