Murang’a County played host to a high-profile security engagement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja joined Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen for the 30th edition of Jukwaa La Usalama.
The interactive security forum, held at the Murang’a County Commissioner’s grounds, brought together government officials, security commanders, politicians, religious leaders, and ordinary residents in what has become one of the most direct citizen–government dialogues on matters of safety and administration in Kenya.
Grassroots Engagement on Security Issues
The Jukwaa La Usalama forums are a cornerstone of the Ministry of Interior’s grassroots outreach efforts, designed to give citizens a direct voice in shaping security strategies. Tuesday’s meeting was no exception, with residents presenting their concerns ranging from crime and corruption to illicit brews and land disputes.
CS Murkomen emphasized that the government was committed to addressing these issues through a “whole-of-government approach,” calling for collaboration between citizens, administrators, and law enforcement agencies.
“This forum gives us first-hand insight into the realities our people face. Security cannot be delivered from Nairobi alone; it must be built from the grassroots,” Murkomen told the gathering.
Crackdown on Crime, Corruption, and Illicit Alcohol
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around law enforcement challenges specific to Murang’a County. Murkomen acknowledged progress made by security agencies but insisted more work was needed to tackle stubborn threats.
He singled out the fight against corruption, illicit alcohol, drug abuse, and organized gangs as priority areas. He also highlighted land disputes, particularly those involving Delmonte and Kakuzi farms, which have historically caused tensions in the region.
“While feedback from residents indicates that the security situation has improved, we must remain vigilant. Lawlessness, corruption, and illegal trade in alcohol and narcotics continue to threaten our youth and our neighborhoods,” Murkomen said.
IG Kanja: Multi-Agency Approach Is the Future
Inspector General Douglas Kanja echoed the Cabinet Secretary’s sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far but urging continued vigilance.
He reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to using a multi-agency approach to tackle security issues and enhance public safety. According to him, this strategy—anchored in community policing—has already yielded results and will continue to be the foundation of future operations.
“The deployment of the National Police Service is entirely for the safety of the people. Our work is to serve and protect, but we need your partnership. When you support the police, you help us serve you better,” IG Kanja told the residents.
Police Welfare: Housing and Uniforms in Focus
The IG also addressed concerns about police welfare, noting that the Service was paying close attention to issues of housing and uniforms. He argued that improving officers’ living and working conditions would translate directly into better service delivery for the public.
Kanja further urged police commanders across the county to ensure that every area under their jurisdiction receives adequate attention, saying no community should feel neglected in matters of security.
Leaders Rally Behind Security Efforts
The event drew a wide range of leaders and stakeholders, underscoring the importance of security as a shared responsibility. Among those in attendance were:
- Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service (DIG APS), Mr. Gilbert Masengeli
- Central Region Commissioner, Mr. Joshua Nkanatha
- Nominated Senator, Hon. Veronica Maina
- Kangema MP, Hon. Peter Kihungi
- Central Regional Police Commander, Mr. Samuel Ndanyi, AIG
- Other senior political and security leaders
Their presence signaled strong political and administrative backing for the Interior Ministry’s grassroots forums.
Citizens’ Voices at the Core
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Murang’a Jukwaa La Usalama was the open dialogue between top security officials and ordinary citizens. Residents voiced concerns about crime hotspots, the rise of illicit brews destroying young lives, and lingering land disputes.
Religious leaders and community representatives reinforced the call for collaboration, reminding those in attendance that lasting peace and order could only be achieved through unity and trust between the people and their government.
A Safer Murang’a, a Safer Kenya
As the 30th Jukwaa La Usalama came to a close, optimism was evident. Both CS Murkomen and IG Kanja expressed confidence that with consistent dialogue, multi-agency operations, and citizen participation, Murang’a—and Kenya at large—would continue to experience improved safety.
“Security is not just the work of police officers—it is the duty of every Kenyan. When we work together, no criminal gang, no drug peddler, and no corrupt official can defeat us,” Murkomen declared to applause from the crowd.
The Murang’a forum reinforced the government’s message: security is a collective responsibility. And with the CS and IG visibly on the ground, Kenyans were reminded that their concerns are not falling on deaf ears.
