ELGEYO-MARAKWET, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the reported abduction of a Standard journalist and called for a swift investigation, urging police to strengthen the protection of journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Murkomen described the incident as “embarrassing and barbaric” and said anyone found responsible should face the law.
“It’s embarrassing and barbaric. Whoever is involved must face the full force of the law,” he said.
The CS also called on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to enhance security for journalists as the country approaches the election period.
“I want to ask the IG that as we head into the election period, let’s provide journalists with enough security for them to perform their duties.”
His remarks came amid renewed concerns over the safety of journalists following the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was reportedly abducted on the night of September 1 and later found safe.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Murkomen defends media freedom
Murkomen said the media plays an important role in promoting peace and security and assured journalists that the government remained committed to their safety.
“I want to assure journalists that I’m one of your stakeholders. I have benefited from working with you, and I know the good work you are doing.”
The Interior CS also urged individuals who disagree with media coverage to pursue legal avenues rather than resorting to intimidation or violence.
“If I have a problem with a journalist, I will go to court,” he said.
His comments come as media organisations and rights groups continue to call for stronger protection of journalists and greater accountability for attacks and threats against media workers.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has separately called for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation into Kiprotich’s reported abduction, warning that impunity for attacks against journalists must not be allowed to take root.
Murkomen speaks at aunt’s funeral
Murkomen was speaking at St Michael’s Secondary School Grounds in Embobut, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, during the funeral service of his aunt, the late Mama Sokomo Chemitei Kojepkosgei.
The CS’s aunt died on August 31 following a short illness.
Murkomen had described her as a loving and caring relative and a peacemaker who maintained close family ties.
“Throughout her life, she maintained close friendship and deep family ties with her younger sister – our mother, and they ensured we grew together with my cousins as one close-knit family, loving and supporting each other,” he said.
The funeral also became the setting for a separate political statement by Murkomen’s wife, Gladys Wanjiru Kipchumba, concerning public calls for her to return to her home region in Mount Kenya.
Murkomen’s wife rejects calls to leave Elgeyo-Marakwet
Wanjiru on Thursday, September 3, rejected calls for her to return to Mount Kenya, saying she intended to remain where she was.
“I am the one whom people claim they will come for. I am going nowhere! I am not the same person that they bequeathed, and I have been well taken care of,” she said.
She also criticised people claiming to speak on her behalf over her personal affairs, saying she had not appointed anyone as her spokesperson.
“I have not asked anyone to speak on my behalf, so I don’t know why those people pretending to be my relatives are doing so. I am firmly rooted here, and removing me would be a problem,” she stated.
Her remarks came after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly called on Murkomen to return his wife to Mukurweini, Nyeri County, and take a wife from his own community.
Gachagua’s comments have drawn attention to the increasingly prominent debate over community identity and political alliances as Kenya moves towards the 2027 elections.
Wanjiru’s response signals that she does not intend to follow the demands made publicly about where she should live.
