Murkomen Sends Coded Message to Kenyans and Ol Kalou Voters

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to crack down on political violence and criminal gangs, warning that those behind recent unrest will face the full force of the law.

Speaking after the violent incidents reported in Kisumu and Nyahururu, Murkomen said the government would not tolerate goonism, ethnic mobilisation or incitement.

He also assured residents of Ol Kalou that adequate security measures have been put in place ahead of the constituency by-election.

Murkomen said the government remains committed to protecting all Kenyans from criminal activities linked to politics.

“We are firmly committed to safeguarding our nation and protecting every Kenyan from goonism, political violence, ethnic mobilisation and incitement, just as we have dealt with banditry, terrorism, organised criminal gangs, and other security threats.”

He revealed that the National Police Service had arrested 20 suspects in connection with the violence witnessed in Kisumu and Nyahururu.

According to the CS, police are also pursuing other suspects, including those believed to have financed or supported the attacks.

“The National Police Service has arrested 20 individuals in connection with yesterday’s unfortunate incidents in Kisumu and Nyahururu and is also actively pursuing additional perpetrators, including financiers and other accomplices.”

Also Read:Rights Groups Call for IPOA Probe Into Alleged Intimidation of Civil Society

Murkomen Calls on Judiciary to Support the Crackdown

The Interior CS urged the Judiciary to play its role by ensuring those arrested are held accountable.

“As we arraign these individuals, we call on the Judiciary to be a partner in this fight by ensuring that criminal elements are held accountable and that they face the harshest legal consequences for their actions.”

Murkomen added that he had directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to intensify intelligence-led operations across the country to dismantle criminal networks linked to political violence.

“The Inspector General of Police has my clear policy directive to roll out intensified intelligence-led operations across the country to crack down on goons, dismantle their networks and bring this menace to an end.”

Also Read:KNCHR Warns Ol Kalou Election at Risk Amid Violence, Electoral Malpractices

Assurance to Ol Kalou Voters

With the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election approaching, Murkomen assured residents that security agencies were fully prepared to protect voters and electoral officials.

“I assure the people of Ol Kalou of maximum security ahead and during the forthcoming by-election. We have put in place adequate security measures to facilitate the IEBC to deliver on its mandate.”

He also warned political leaders against sponsoring violence or making statements that could incite the public.

“I urge all political leaders to desist from mobilising, financing, or shielding criminal goons, and shun making inciteful and divisive utterances that undermine public order, peace and security.”

CS Attends Burial in Turkana

Murkomen made the remarks while attending the burial of the late David Kipchirchir Kibiwott, a prison warden and family friend, in Lokori, Turkana County.

He expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues and said he was accompanied by Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Turkana East MP Nixon Ng’ikor, Turkana County MP Cecilia Asinyen, County Commissioner Julius Kavita and other local leaders.

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