NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that his life is in danger, describing the claims as baseless and accusing the former second-in-command of seeking political attention while undermining public confidence in security institutions.
Speaking on Thursday after the largely peaceful June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, Murkomen launched a sharp attack on Gachagua, accusing him of habitually turning national events into personal political campaigns.
“Every public issue of great interest, he likes making it all about him. He is a clout chaser,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary was responding to claims made by Gachagua on Wednesday that a special police unit known as “Nairobi Sierra” had been deployed to target him and his political allies.
In his statement, Gachagua alleged that the unit, which he described as comprising rogue officers, had previously attempted to disrupt a church event in Nyeri County before being redeployed to coordinate attacks in the Mt Kenya region.
The former Deputy President further alleged that senior government officials, including Murkomen and Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, could be linked to an alleged assassination plot against him.
Murkomen rejected the accusations, saying Gachagua had a history of making similar allegations against senior state officials without providing evidence.
“We are used to his normal song,” he said.
“Even in the last administration he used to make similar allegations against senior government officials. Today he is very cosy with some of the same people he used to accuse.”
The Interior CS also criticised what he described as Gachagua’s repeated use of ethnic narratives in national politics, warning that such rhetoric undermines national cohesion and public trust in state institutions.
“I find it very strange that a person who once held such a high public office continues with this tribal tirade,” Murkomen said.
“This country is peaceful and united. He must respect public institutions. This ethnic profiling of public officers for personal gain must come to an end.”
Without citing specific incidents, Murkomen accused the former Deputy President of attempting to associate security officials with particular ethnic communities for political purposes.
He strongly defended Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and other security officers, saying public servants should be judged on their professional conduct rather than their ethnic backgrounds.
“Our nation must judge every leader by what he or she can offer, not by virtue of linking every public officer to a particular community,” he said.
Murkomen further argued that Gachagua’s political approach contributed to his loss of influence while serving in government.
“He continues to dig the same hole that cost him public office and continues to embarrass himself,” the CS said.
The political exchange came during a government briefing that primarily focused on security during the nationwide commemorations marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests.
Murkomen said the demonstrations were largely peaceful despite heightened security deployments across Nairobi and other major towns.
According to the Interior Ministry, 355 people were arrested during the protests on various offences, including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads, and attempted theft. Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123.
The government maintained that security agencies acted professionally throughout the demonstrations, describing the events as evidence that constitutional rights to peaceful assembly can be exercised while maintaining public order.