Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to political leaders, ordering the deployment of a special police taskforce to deal with criminal gangs used to foment unrest across Kenya. Speaking in Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties on Sunday, Murkomen expressed deep concern over the growing trend of politicians employing youth armed with crude weapons and drugs to advance political agendas, undermining the security of ordinary citizens and law enforcement agencies alike.
“Time for talking is over. I have instructed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to send a special team to sweep away these gangs,” Murkomen declared. “They are harming people here in Trans Nzoia, and we will not tolerate this any longer.”
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when the nation is already grappling with banditry, terrorist threats, and rising insecurity in various parts of the country. While the police have made notable strides in containing criminal activity, the Interior CS indicated that a new and more politically motivated threat is emerging, one that requires urgent intervention.
According to Murkomen, the involvement of politicians in sponsoring violent gangs has escalated to dangerous levels. “I want to warn leaders against providing young people with crude weapons and drugs. That must stop immediately,” he emphasized. He further alleged that some political actors have even gone to the extent of orchestrating violence within their own events to gain sympathy, provoke public outrage, or demand the resignation of government officials.
“Politicians are often the quickest to sponsor goons and then accuse the CS or the PS when violence erupts. How do you expect the police to provide security when you are sending thugs armed with clubs to attack them?” Murkomen posed, highlighting the paradoxical challenges faced by law enforcement.
The Interior CS’s comments followed the disruption of a political rally organized by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, in Kikuyu Constituency. During the event, a group of goons reportedly blocked a section of the Southern Bypass, harassed motorists, and created chaos. Police officers were compelled to use teargas canisters to disperse the crowds, ensuring the safety of both participants and bystanders.
This incident has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, who accused Gachagua of deliberately inciting unrest as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election. “What Gachagua is doing is beating drums of war in our country. He is preparing and inciting Kenyans in anticipation of chaos in 2027,” Nandi Governor Stephen Sang remarked.
Experts and political analysts have noted that the use of youth gangs to disrupt political events is a troubling trend, not only threatening public safety but also undermining the integrity of Kenya’s democratic processes. Historically, politically-motivated violence has led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and heightened ethnic tensions, all of which could have far-reaching consequences if left unchecked.
Murkomen urged political leaders to exercise restraint and prioritize peace, warning that the government would take decisive action against anyone found instigating violence. “Our security forces are committed to maintaining law and order. No individual, regardless of political affiliation, will be allowed to compromise the safety of Kenyans,” he asserted.
The Interior CS also called for community vigilance, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities and provide information about those who might be involved in orchestrating violence. He emphasized that the fight against politically-sponsored gangs requires cooperation between the police, local leaders, and the wider community.
In addition, Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding democracy, but warned that criminal elements masquerading as political supporters would face the full force of the law. “We cannot allow gangs to hijack political events and manipulate public perception through fear and intimidation,” he said.
This crackdown comes at a time of heightened political activity, with parties beginning to mobilize ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts caution that early interventions are critical to prevent the escalation of violence that has marred past elections in Kenya. By proactively addressing the problem of politically-backed goons, the government aims to safeguard both the democratic process and the lives of citizens.
As Kenya moves closer to another general election, the message from Interior CS Murkomen is clear: the era of politically-sponsored violence is coming to an end, and law enforcement agencies will act decisively against anyone who threatens national peace and stability. Citizens and political leaders alike are being called upon to choose dialogue over intimidation, and governance over chaos, as the nation seeks to maintain security and uphold the rule of law.
“Time for talking is over. I have instructed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to send a special team to sweep away these gangs,” Murkomen declared. “They are harming people here in Trans Nzoia, and we will not tolerate this any longer.”
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when the nation is already grappling with banditry, terrorist threats, and rising insecurity in various parts of the country. While the police have made notable strides in containing criminal activity, the Interior CS indicated that a new and more politically motivated threat is emerging, one that requires urgent intervention.
According to Murkomen, the involvement of politicians in sponsoring violent gangs has escalated to dangerous levels. “I want to warn leaders against providing young people with crude weapons and drugs. That must stop immediately,” he emphasized. He further alleged that some political actors have even gone to the extent of orchestrating violence within their own events to gain sympathy, provoke public outrage, or demand the resignation of government officials.
“Politicians are often the quickest to sponsor goons and then accuse the CS or the PS when violence erupts. How do you expect the police to provide security when you are sending thugs armed with clubs to attack them?” Murkomen posed, highlighting the paradoxical challenges faced by law enforcement.
The Interior CS’s comments followed the disruption of a political rally organized by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, in Kikuyu Constituency. During the event, a group of goons reportedly blocked a section of the Southern Bypass, harassed motorists, and created chaos. Police officers were compelled to use teargas canisters to disperse the crowds, ensuring the safety of both participants and bystanders.
This incident has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, who accused Gachagua of deliberately inciting unrest as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election. “What Gachagua is doing is beating drums of war in our country. He is preparing and inciting Kenyans in anticipation of chaos in 2027,” Nandi Governor Stephen Sang remarked.
Experts and political analysts have noted that the use of youth gangs to disrupt political events is a troubling trend, not only threatening public safety but also undermining the integrity of Kenya’s democratic processes. Historically, politically-motivated violence has led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and heightened ethnic tensions, all of which could have far-reaching consequences if left unchecked.
Murkomen urged political leaders to exercise restraint and prioritize peace, warning that the government would take decisive action against anyone found instigating violence. “Our security forces are committed to maintaining law and order. No individual, regardless of political affiliation, will be allowed to compromise the safety of Kenyans,” he asserted.
The Interior CS also called for community vigilance, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities and provide information about those who might be involved in orchestrating violence. He emphasized that the fight against politically-sponsored gangs requires cooperation between the police, local leaders, and the wider community.
In addition, Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding democracy, but warned that criminal elements masquerading as political supporters would face the full force of the law. “We cannot allow gangs to hijack political events and manipulate public perception through fear and intimidation,” he said.
This crackdown comes at a time of heightened political activity, with parties beginning to mobilize ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts caution that early interventions are critical to prevent the escalation of violence that has marred past elections in Kenya. By proactively addressing the problem of politically-backed goons, the government aims to safeguard both the democratic process and the lives of citizens.
As Kenya moves closer to another general election, the message from Interior CS Murkomen is clear: the era of politically-sponsored violence is coming to an end, and law enforcement agencies will act decisively against anyone who threatens national peace and stability. Citizens and political leaders alike are being called upon to choose dialogue over intimidation, and governance over chaos, as the nation seeks to maintain security and uphold the rule of law.
