Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an immediate security crackdown on armed criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents of Ruiru in Kiambu County. The directive comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, land-related disputes, intimidation and alleged illegal occupation of residential properties in Two Rivers Crescent and Imani Estates in Mukuyu, Ruiru.

During a security tour of Ruiru Sub-County on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Murkomen directed the National Police Service to take decisive action against individuals involved in criminal activities and restore peace in the affected neighbourhoods. He warned that the government would not allow armed gangs, land cartels or other criminal elements to intimidate residents and interfere with their right to live safely.

The Cabinet Secretary's visit brought together senior security officials, including the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, Deputy Inspector Generals Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, alongside other government representatives. The leaders met residents and representatives of the affected estates to listen to their complaints and assess the security challenges facing the area.He expressed concern that some residents had been experiencing insecurity arising from disputes involving land ownership and occupation. He emphasised that police officers must not allow criminal groups to take control of residential neighbourhoods or use threats to influence land-related disagreements.

The Interior CS made it clear that the National Police Service has a responsibility to protect every Kenyan regardless of their social or economic status.

He challenged police commanders to demonstrate their ability to deal with the situation and ensure that residents regain confidence in security agencies.

Murkomen's directive was particularly focused on the two estates in Mukuyu, where residents have raised concerns about alleged land encroachment and the presence of people described as goons.However, some members of Kanyotu's family have challenged certain land transactions, resulting in disagreements over the ownership and occupation of the properties.

The disagreements have reportedly escalated into allegations of trespassing, intimidation, threats of forced eviction and the involvement of armed individuals.

The situation has raised concerns among residents who fear that land disputes could turn into serious security incidents if they are not handled properly.

Murkomen's intervention is therefore intended to ensure that the matter is addressed through lawful procedures rather than violence and intimidation.

He directed security officers to establish the genuine landowners and ensure that their property rights are protected.

He also instructed that a list of genuine title holders be submitted to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) to assist police in identifying those who require protection and taking appropriate action.His directive is intended to prevent firearms from being used as tools of intimidation during land disagreements.

The government wants residents to understand that the law applies equally to licensed firearm holders and individuals who possess weapons illegally.

Security agencies are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding reported firearm incidents, identify suspects and take appropriate legal action where evidence supports prosecution.

Murkomen's warning also sends a strong message that disputes involving property ownership should never be settled through threats, violence or the display of weapons.He expressed concern over allegations that some officers might not have responded adequately to complaints raised by residents.

Murkomen maintained that the police must protect lives and property rather than allow criminal groups to operate freely.

He also warned against any form of collusion between security officers and individuals involved in land-related criminal activities.

This directive is significant because residents depend on police officers to respond to emergencies, investigate complaints and prevent violence.Lagat reminded members of the public that maintaining security is a shared responsibility between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

He encouraged residents to report suspicious activities, provide useful information and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli was also present during the engagement, alongside Ruiru Member of Parliament Simon Kingara, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora and Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha.

The presence of the senior officials demonstrated the seriousness with which the government was treating the security concerns raised by residents.

Investigations are important in establishing the identities of individuals allegedly involved in land encroachment, intimidation and the misuse of firearms.

The authorities will also need to examine the ownership documents presented by the different parties to the land dispute.

Through investigations, security agencies can establish whether criminal activities have taken place and identify individuals who may be responsible.

The government is expected to ensure that suspects are dealt with according to the law and that anyone accused of wrongdoing has an opportunity to defend themselves through the judicial process.Residents were encouraged to report incidents of intimidation, threats, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities through the appropriate security channels.

Lagat assured them that security agencies would provide the necessary support to ensure their safety.

Cooperation between residents and police officers is particularly important in densely populated areas where criminal activities can sometimes go unreported.

The government also needs to ensure that people who report security concerns are treated professionally and that their complaints receive appropriate attention.Murkomen's directive reflects the government's position that no individual or group should be allowed to threaten the safety of residents.

The Interior Ministry is expected to work with the National Police Service and other relevant agencies to ensure that the security situation in Ruiru improves.

The government has also emphasised the importance of following the law when handling disputes involving land ownership.

Protecting genuine property owners, preventing illegal occupation and ensuring that criminal activities are investigated will be important steps towards restoring confidence among residents.

The additional police officers and patrol vehicle are expected to strengthen security operations in the area.

However, residents will be looking forward to seeing the directives translated into effective action, including investigations, improved patrols and appropriate enforcement measures.