MOMBASA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to politicians allegedly sponsoring gangs to disrupt public gatherings and church services, calling it a dangerous trend ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Mombasa on Monday at the start of a week-long security tour of Kenya’s Coast region, Murkomen revealed that intelligence reports had exposed a growing number of political actors funding organized criminal networks to stir chaos in their opponents’ events.
“We have credible intelligence that some politicians are sponsoring goons and gangs across the country. We are coming for you,” the CS declared, vowing to name and shame those found culpable.
The Interior Ministry, he said, is closing in on these networks, and any leaders linked to such activities will face legal consequences.
Murkomen emphasized that the government would not tolerate any attempts to hijack the country’s democratic space through violence and intimidation.
“This country must be governed by the rule of law,” he said. “We will not allow goons to infiltrate churches or political meetings, whether they’re aligned to the government or the opposition.”
The remarks follow growing political tension, particularly after a weekend incident in which former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed the government was behind disruptions during a church service he attended.
Murkomen dismissed the allegations, reiterating the state’s neutrality and commitment to cracking down on criminal groupings.
Murkomen’s visit comes amid a resurgence of gang-related violence along the Coast, particularly in Mombasa, Kwale, and Lamu counties.
The Interior CS said dismantling these networks is a top priority, noting that their operations now appear to be emboldened by political support and funding.
As part of his coastal tour, Murkomen is also expected to address broader security challenges, including persistent threats from the Somalia-based terror group Al Shabaab in Lamu and rising concerns over drug abuse and youth radicalization in the region.
“This is not just about Mombasa or church disruptions — it’s a national issue. Our youth are being used as pawns. We must act now,” Murkomen added.
The government, he said, remains committed to restoring order and ensuring that upcoming elections are free from fear, violence, and political manipulation.
