NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen isn’t taking criticism of Kenya’s security agencies lightly.
Responding to mounting scrutiny over rising attacks on police and security lapses, Murkomen fired back at the media and social media commentators, daring them to experience the front lines firsthand.
Speaking at the National Police Service Development Partners Roundtable at the Kenya School of Government on Wednesday, Murkomen defended the police, arguing that many critics have no real grasp of the challenges officers face.
His solution? A free trip to Elwak, a hotspot for militant activity.
The Interior CS argued that armchair analysts in Nairobi had no business questioning the security forces without experiencing the conditions they operate under.
“I know it is very easy for people to sit behind their computers and write stories about our police officers. I see it so often. I wish that we could carry some of these editors, journalists, and bloggers—not for the whole day, but for half a day—to operational areas like Elwak,” Murkomen stated.
But he wasn’t done. The CS doubled down, offering free transport and accommodations for journalists willing to spend a week in Elwak.
“I will give you transport for free and fly a good number of journalists to Elwak. I want them to sleep there for a week,” he added.
Murkomen insisted that critics would change their tune once they saw what officers endure daily.
Murkomen offers to fly journalists for fully-paid week’s stay in Elwak.Read the whole story here:tinyurl.com/4zawk4k8
A Surge in Attacks and Security Concerns
Murkomen’s fiery response comes amid a spike in security threats, particularly in northeastern Kenya.
- On March 23, suspected Al-Shabaab militants stormed a police reservist camp in Garissa County, killing six officers and injuring four others. The attackers looted weapons before fleeing.
- In the same month, a Kenyan police officer was killed in Mandera County in what authorities believe was a retaliatory attack by suspected Somali intelligence operatives. This came after Kenyan forces arrested individuals linked to an attempted abduction of Chinese nationals.
- Meanwhile, five chiefs were kidnapped in Mandera County while on official duty preparing for President William Ruto’s planned North Eastern tour.
While the debate over security operations continues, Murkomen’s message is clear: Kenya’s police officers are not the enemy.
He urged the public and the media to foster a spirit of collaboration rather than division.
“From that experience alone, you will change your attitude on what you say about police officers,” he said, reaffirming his belief that exposure to the realities on the ground would lead to a fairer conversation.
