NAIROBI, Kenya- Days after armed men in high-end vehicles wreaked havoc during the Ol Kalou by-election, attacking journalists and disrupting parts of the electoral process, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has thrown his weight behind Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, urging security agencies to take firm action against criminal gangs.
Days after the incident, no suspect has been arrested or questioned.
Some of the men have been identified as serving police officers, who were involved in, among other things, the distribution of handouts on behalf of the UDA candidate.
Murkomen said the public was increasingly demanding action against individuals involved in violence and criminal activities, including those accused of disrupting church gatherings and other public events.
“The issue of goons is not as bad as it’s reported. IG (Kanja), you have public support to deal with goons ruthlessly. Even churches that were shielding them now want them to be dealt with. DCI, please do your job,” Murkomen said.
The CS’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny over the role of armed groups and alleged political militias in Kenya’s political landscape, with incidents during the Ol Kalou by-election placing the issue of security and accountability under the spotlight.
Journalists covering the Ol Kalou by-election reported attacks by individuals who confiscated equipment, assaulted media workers and attempted to prevent the documentation of events at polling stations.
Murkomen also cautioned against political rhetoric that could deepen divisions, warning against branding citizens as “wasaliti” (traitors), saying such language could trigger unintended consequences.
“Calling citizens ‘wasaliti’ will give birth to something else,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS further sensationally accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of allegedly seeking to build a militia ahead of the next election, a claim likely to intensify political exchanges as parties position themselves for the 2027 General Election.
“Gachagua wants to recruit a militia before the next election,” Murkomen alleged. He, however, did not provide any evidence.
The remarks come amid heightened debate over political mobilisation, public security and the role of law enforcement in managing political activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
Murkomen defended the leadership of the National Police Service under Kanja, dismissing claims of instability within the police command.
“I have full faith in your leadership of NPS. You are competent. There’s no pending ‘impeachment’ motion against you. Kenya is more secure than ever before,” he said.
The CS’s comments come as security agencies face growing pressure to address incidents of violence, including attacks at public events and concerns over the emergence of organised groups linked to political activities.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, calls for peaceful political competition, accountability and impartial enforcement of the law continue to grow, with stakeholders urging security agencies to protect citizens’ rights while ensuring order.
Gachagua has accused IG Kanja of ceding his powers to government-allied politicians.