Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he termed repeated personal attacks on the families of political leaders, urging him to focus on substantive political issues.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Twiga Primary School in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County, Murkomen accused Gachagua of dragging the spouses of senior government officials and politicians into political disputes.
“The other day he was talking about MP Wamumbi’s wife, the next day he was talking about CS Ruku’s wife, and yesterday he woke up to talk about my wife. Let him look for an agenda,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS also took aim at the United Opposition and the Linda Mwananchi movement, accusing them of failing to present a clear alternative agenda for the country.
“They don’t have an agenda. They are waiting for their boss, who went into retirement, to plan for them,” he said.
Murkomen’s remarks come amid growing concern over political violence and disruptions at public rallies, with government and opposition leaders trading accusations over responsibility for attacks witnessed at political gatherings.
The CS assured Kenyans that security agencies would continue working to maintain order, but accused sections of the opposition of protecting individuals linked to political violence.
“When goons are arrested, the opposition should stop the business of running to court to defend them,” Murkomen said.
He also called on the Judiciary to deal firmly with suspects charged over violence at political events.
“We ask the Judiciary to take stern action against those who will be arraigned in court over goonism,” he added.
Murkomen said political violence should be condemned regardless of the political affiliation of those involved, warning that the use of organised groups to disrupt meetings posed a threat to public safety and democratic engagement.
He also condemned the recent attack on journalists covering a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, describing violence against members of the press as regrettable.
At the same time, the CS challenged journalists and media organisations to remain impartial while reporting on political violence.
“To our journalists, stop taking sides in the war against goons,” Murkomen said.
His comments come as political temperatures continue to rise, with leaders from both government and opposition camps intensifying their activities across the country.
The Interior Ministry has faced growing pressure to ensure political meetings are protected and those responsible for violence are held accountable.
Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.
news@nairobilens.ke
