LAIKIPIA, Kenya — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint and embrace tolerance amid growing political tension in the country.
Speaking at the funeral of Mzee Weston Kirocho — the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja — in Laikipia County on Thursday, Murkomen urged leaders to respect divergent opinions and prioritise peace and unity.
“President William Ruto’s administration is fully committed to national cohesion, ensuring that no part of the country is left behind. There’s no cause for alarm or reason to speak in ways that divide Kenyans,” Murkomen said.
The CS’s remarks came in the wake of controversial comments by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga concerning the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga and the allocation of national resources — remarks that have drawn sharp criticism nationwide.
Murkomen praised the people of Laikipia for maintaining harmony among diverse communities despite previous security challenges.
He credited collaboration between local leaders, government agencies, and residents for sustaining peace in the region.
“The partnership between local communities and the security sector has helped restore stability in banditry-prone areas such as the Kerio Valley and parts of Laikipia,” he said, noting that improved equipment, boosted morale among officers, and leadership reforms had reduced insecurity by about 75 percent.
The CS underscored that sustainable development remains the ultimate solution to insecurity, citing ongoing road and infrastructure projects in Mukogodo Forest and parts of Samburu County aimed at enhancing accessibility and security operations.
He also warned that the government will intensify its crackdown on illicit alcohol, describing the problem as a major social and health threat, particularly in Nyeri County, which ranks 17th among the most affected regions.
“We are determined to dismantle illicit brewing networks, protect public health, and restore social order,” Murkomen said.
The CS described the late Mzee Kirocho as a man of honour and integrity, urging Kenyans to emulate his legacy of hard work, peace, and unity.
