Murkomen extends Marsabit security declaration by month

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended the declaration of parts of Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous for one month, allowing heightened security measures to remain in force in the affected areas.

The extension, contained in a gazette notice dated July 23, will remain in force during the period unless withdrawn earlier or extended through another Gazette notice.

Murkomen issued the declaration under Section 106 (6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, in consultation with the National Security Council.

The affected areas are Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.

"This notice shall take effect on the 23rd July, 2026, as from 6.30 p.m., for a period of thirty (30) days and may, at any time, be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct," the notice states.

The extension means enhanced security operations will continue across the listed localities as the government seeks to address security challenges in the region.

In a related gazette notice issued, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja prohibited the possession of arms in all areas covered by the security declaration.

Issued under Section 106 (2)(a) of the National Police Service Act, the directive requires residents in the affected areas to immediately surrender any firearms in their possession to the nearest police post or National Government Administration offices during daytime hours for safe custody.

"On the taking effect of this notice, all inhabitants of the said areas are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms in their possession to the nearest Police Station, Police Post, Police Camp and National Government Administration offices during the hours of the day for safe custody," Kanja directed.

The Inspector-General stated that all firearms surrendered under the directive will be returned to their lawful owners once the security declaration is revoked or expires.

The declaration of an area as security disturbed and dangerous grants the government powers under the National Police Service Act to implement additional security measures aimed at restoring public order, including restricting the possession of firearms where necessary.

The latest extension signals the government's intention to maintain heightened security operations in the affected parts of Marsabit County as authorities continue monitoring the security situation over the coming weeks.