Siaya Governor James Orengo has said he is ready to collaborate with President William Ruto’s administration in strengthening security and addressing cross-border challenges in the county.

Speaking on Wednesday 17th, September during the 41st Jukwaa la Usalama Forum held in Siaya, Orengo hosted Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen in what he described as a joint effort to build a safer and more secure community.

“As a border county, we face challenges ranging from contraband smuggling, illicit alcohol and drugs, to unregulated mining, sexual and gender-based violence, stock theft and hooliganism,” Orengo noted.

“We are committed to working with the National Government, local leadership, the boda boda sector, students and security agencies to build a safer, more secure Siaya.” He added.

The governor, a seasoned opposition politician and senior figure in Azimio la Umoja, said security is a collective responsibility that goes beyond political divides.

His remarks signal a rare gesture of cooperation between county leadership and the national government, especially on matters of public safety and service delivery.

Murkomen’s Grassroots Engagements

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said his ministry was taking the security forums across the country to engage citizens directly and strengthen partnerships at the grassroots.

“Our Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagements now enter the homestretch with today’s tour of Siaya County. This is our 41st event, with six counties to go,” Murkomen said.

He explained that the Siaya tour began with a high-level security meeting at the County Commissioner’s office, followed by an assessment of the ongoing mobile ID and civil registration exercises.

The day’s activities later culminated in a town hall meeting at the County Commissioner’s residence, where citizens were encouraged to air their concerns.

“Are you from Siaya County? We would like to hear from you. Drop a comment regarding the security issues and service delivery challenges you feel the CS should address in today’s plenary,” Murkomen added in an online call for feedback.

Building Safer Communities

The Jukwaa la Usalama forums, launched earlier this year, are designed to gather community input and foster collaboration between national and local leaders in tackling insecurity and improving government services.

For Siaya, a county that shares a porous border with Uganda, the joint efforts are expected to tighten surveillance against cross-border crimes while ensuring residents benefit from improved registration and identification services.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen with Siaya Governor James Orengo at the Governor’s office. PHOTO/ Orengo X