Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed plans to arm police reservists, a day after suspected Ethiopian militia attacked and killed Kenyan fishermen in the Kenya-Ethiopia border area of Todonyang in Turkana County.
Murkomen outlined the government's new strategy on Monday, February 24, after visiting Todonyang to assess the situation and condole with the families affected by the deadly attack.
In his statement, the Interior CS said the government had embarked on both short- and long-term strategies to curb insecurity along Kenya's borders.
"National Police Reservists, who play a critical role in complementing regular security agencies, will now be better equipped and incentivised to deal with militias and other criminal gangs," Murkomen stated.
Police reservists in the country have in the past expressed concerns over their welfare, with some of their challenges revolving around a lack of adequate compensation since they are technically volunteers supplementing regular police officers.
This challenge was evident in Isiolo County in January 2025, when hundreds of camel herders staged a peaceful demonstration in Isiolo town, urging the government to expedite the process of arming police reservists.
The herders expressed fears of being attacked by their enemies, who were better equipped with sophisticated firearms.
Police reservists have also struggled with lack of proper equipment, leaving them vulnerable, especially in remote and volatile areas.
To address this, Murkomen said the government would establish more border posts and enhance the welfare of all police reservists.
The CS also instructed the leadership of the National Police Service, in collaboration with their Ethiopian counterparts, to intensify efforts to account for all Kenyans involved in the attack. Reports on Monday indicated that at least 22 Kenyans were still missing following the cross-border assault.
The attack is believed to have been carried out by the Dassanech militia, who ambushed and opened fire on Turkana fishermen in Lake Turkana near River Omo.
On Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) also issued a stern warning to local communities in Turkana against engaging in retaliatory attacks.
