NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has distanced his office from the controversy surrounding the alleged withdrawal of security for former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, saying no formal complaint has been filed.
In a statement, Murkomen dismissed claims that Muturi’s security detail was recalled for political reasons, insisting that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
“That is a simple and small matter that should be handled by the IG,” Murkomen said. “If it’s escalated to me, I will address it as per the law.”
He emphasized that scaling down security for former public officials is standard procedure once they leave office.
“It’s a normal process that applies to everyone, including myself when I leave office. Security officers operate within the law and are not influenced by politics,” he added.
Murkomen’s remarks come hours after Muturi alleged that his government-issued security was withdrawn in what he described as a retaliatory move by President William Ruto’s administration.
“My security detail was withdrawn at around 7:30 p.m. yesterday,” Muturi told reporters on Tuesday, referring to two police officers previously assigned to him in his capacity as former National Assembly Speaker.
According to Muturi, the officers were informed they no longer needed to report for duty because he was “fighting the government.”
“If this is another attempt to intimidate me, they’ve dialed the wrong number,” Muturi said defiantly.
Muturi’s fallout with Ruto’s administration began last year amid rising tensions over allegations of abductions targeting youth involved in anti-government protests.
The matter hit close to home when Muturi’s own son was briefly abducted, prompting him to raise the issue at Cabinet level.
He claims his concerns were ignored, leading to his withdrawal from Cabinet meetings.
On March 26, President Ruto dismissed Muturi from the Cabinet, citing insubordination. He was replaced by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku.
Since then, Muturi has sharpened his criticism of the administration, accusing the president of silencing dissent through intimidation, dishonesty, and corruption.
Despite the escalating war of words, the Interior Ministry insists that the security issue remains a procedural matter — and not a political one.
