From Bullets to Books: Government Offers free Scholarships to Bandits

In a surprising move, the Kenyan government has announced a new plan to help end banditry in the country. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has offered an unusual deal: bandits who surrender their illegal guns will not be punished. Instead, they will be given scholarships and sent to school. 

Murkomen made this announcement during a public meeting called Jukwaa la Usalama in Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, July 25. He said the government wants to help young people stop crime and choose education and skills training instead. 

“Instead of waiting for the police to arrest you, come forward on your own,” Murkomen told the crowd. “If you haven’t committed any crime but you have an illegal gun, we will not charge you. We will forgive you. And even better, we will take you to college.” 

This new approach aims to turn former criminals into useful members of society. The government plans to work with schools, colleges, and training centers to teach these young people useful skills. 

According to Murkomen, many of the young men involved in banditry are still of school age. He believes that, with the right support, they can change their lives. 

“Some of them are still young enough to be in school,” he said. “Instead of living a life of crime, we are giving them a second chance. We’ll offer scholarships so they can learn new skills and build a better future.” 

The scholarships will not only cover tuition fees but also help with job placement after training. Once these youths are trained, the government will send them to work on national development projects like the Affordable Housing Program. 

Murkomen emphasized that the offer is for those who are willing to change. But for those who refuse to give up banditry, he had a strong warning. 

“If you continue living in crime, you will have no one to blame,” he said. “Our police and security forces will find you and deal with you firmly.” 

He added that the government has already made big progress in the fight against banditry. Since the crackdown began, more than 1,000 illegal guns have been recovered. 

However, over 10,000 illegal firearms are still believed to be in the hands of criminals. The government is working hard to find them all. 

Murkomen also revealed that the government has intelligence reports about people who are secretly helping the bandits. These people include politicians, schoolteachers, and even building contractors. 

“These people are buying and supplying weapons to the criminals,” Murkomen said. “We know who they are, and action will be taken against them.” 

He called on parents to be part of the solution. If they know their sons are involved in banditry, they should speak up and encourage them to surrender. 

“Tell your sons to come forward and take this opportunity,” Murkomen said. “This may be the only chance they have to change their lives for the better.” 

The plan has sparked different reactions across the country. Some see it as a bold and smart way to solve a long-standing problem. Others wonder if criminals should really be rewarded with free education. 

But Murkomen insists that this strategy is not about rewarding crime. It’s about breaking the cycle of violence and poverty that pushes young people into criminal lives. 

“We are not just forgiving them,” he explained. “We are investing in them, because if we don’t, they will only continue to hurt others and themselves.” 

Many experts say this move shows that the government is finally trying to understand the root causes of crime. Lack of education, poverty, and joblessness have left many youths feeling hopeless. 

By offering skills and jobs, the government hopes to give them something better to live for. This, in turn, could help bring peace to regions that have suffered from insecurity for years. 

The success of the program will depend on how many young people accept the offer, and whether the government follows through on its promises. 

But for now, the message is clear: Put down the gun. Pick up a pen. Your future is worth saving.