Murkomen launches crackdown on marijuana suppliers in Western Kenya

By Newsflash Repoter

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a government crackdown targeting marijuana suppliers in Western Kenya. He revealed that security agencies are closing in on key distributors, warning that arrests of major suppliers are imminent.

Speaking in Vihiga County during the Jukwaa La Usalama security baraza, Murkomen noted that marijuana had become a serious security challenge in the region, especially in Luanda, which has been identified as a major hotspot. He said most of the illegal drug is smuggled into the country from neighbouring states and distributed widely across Kenya.

Focus on key suppliers

The CS emphasized that the government’s strategy is not only about arresting small-scale users but also dismantling the wider distribution network. He disclosed that authorities are pursuing several notorious suppliers, including a woman he described as one of the most influential traffickers in the area.

“We must rid Luanda of marijuana. The biggest issue is to deal with the big suppliers. Already, a notorious lady, a major supplier, is on our radar and you will soon see arrests,” Murkomen said.

He stressed that the fight against drugs will not end at arrests, adding that long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of drug use among the youth.

Beyond arrests: tackling gangs and social change

Murkomen also linked marijuana distribution to the rise of gangs in urban areas, noting that criminal groups exploit the trade to expand their influence. He said the government is adopting an all-of-society approach that includes leaders, parents, and community groups to push for cultural and social change.

“The conversation cannot only be about arrests and prosecutions. We must also engage in deeper dialogue on the sociocultural issues driving this problem, especially among young people who are victims,” the Interior CS explained.

The crackdown is part of broader security operations aimed at restoring order and reducing drug-related crime in Western Kenya. Murkomen assured residents that the government would intensify surveillance and collaborate with local administrators to dismantle cartels behind the trade.