MACHAKOS, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated the importance of compliance with the Secrecy Act, but firmly dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi are under investigation for breaching the law.
Murkomen’s remarks came amidst rising concerns from Members of Parliament about the responsibilities of former state and public officers regarding the confidentiality of government information.
Speaking during his security tour in Machakos County as part of the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, Murkomen emphasized that compliance with the Secrecy Act is apolitical and does not target any individual, specifically refuting suggestions that Gachagua and Muturi were under investigation.
“MPs raised general questions about compliance with the confidentiality law, and we have no complaints at the moment. No one is under investigation,” Murkomen said. “We are concerned with any officer who has access to government information that could compromise national security or borders on espionage.”
The Secrecy Act is designed to protect state secrets and safeguard national security by criminalizing the unauthorized disclosure of confidential government information.
It applies to state officers, including those in public service, who may possess sensitive documents, plans, or communications that could harm the safety or interests of the nation if disclosed.
Murkomen clarified that concerns raised by MPs about former public officers revealing sensitive matters after leaving office are valid only if the information they disclose pertains to national security.
The Interior CS pointed out that public officials, including Gachagua and Muturi, are bound by this law, but their compliance is not being scrutinized unless there is a clear breach of confidentiality that threatens national security.
“This law applies to individuals who have had access to government information, especially matters related to national security,” Murkomen explained. “The government has no complaints at the moment, and there is no ongoing investigation against any individuals.”
