Murkomen Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Political Goons, Reveals Major Police Deployment Plan Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide security crackdown targeting criminal gangs and political goons, revealing plans to deploy additional police officers across the country as concerns mount over rising political violence.
Speaking on Monday, July 13, during a memorial event celebrating the life of David Kibiwott in Lokori, Turkana County, Murkomen said he had instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to intensify operations against organised criminal groups, warning that perpetrators of political violence would face the full force of the law.
The announcement comes after violent incidents rocked political events in Kisumu and Nyahururu over the weekend, raising fresh concerns over security ahead of the highly anticipated Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
“We have a plan with the Inspector General. Over the next few weeks, we will have intensified operations against goons and gangs. There will also be increased deployment of police officers at public functions to deal with these goons,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS dismissed allegations that the government was tolerating or protecting political gangs, insisting that security agencies had already demonstrated their ability to dismantle organised criminal networks.
“We have dealt with bandits; goons cannot be too challenging. It is just that we have to follow the judicial process,” he added.
Murkomen Breaks Silence After Kisumu and Nyahururu Violence
Murkomen’s remarks marked his first comprehensive public response to the recent wave of political violence witnessed in Kisumu and Nyahururu.
In Kisumu, violence erupted after a confrontation involving individuals described as armed goons disrupted a church service attended by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo. The incident resulted in the deaths of two people and renewed debate over politically sponsored violence.
Meanwhile, in Nyahururu, a political rally organised by leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi faction descended into chaos after it was disrupted by suspected goons. During the confrontation, the driver of Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata sustained serious injuries.
Defending the police response, Murkomen said security officers had acted swiftly, leading to multiple arrests in both incidents.
“What happened in Kisumu yesterday and Nyahururu? Let us pretend the police did not do anything. Twenty people have been arrested in Kisumu, 10 have been arrested in Nyahururu, and they have all been arraigned,” he said.
He added that those convicted of organising or participating in political violence deserved severe punishment to deter future incidents.
Politicians Under Investigation
Murkomen warned that investigations would extend beyond those arrested at the scenes of the violence.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, detectives are also pursuing individuals suspected of financing, organising or inciting political gangs, including politicians where evidence supports such allegations.
He specifically referenced Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, saying investigators should examine some of his recent public statements to determine whether they had any connection with the violence witnessed in Nyahururu.
The CS stressed that any person found to have sponsored criminal activity would face legal action regardless of their political status.
Heavy Security Planned for Ol Kalou Vote
With the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election only days away, Murkomen sought to reassure residents that the government was fully prepared to safeguard the electoral process.
“I want to assure the people of Ol Kalou that the elections will be free and fair. If we need to deploy 100 police officers, we will do that,” he said.
He said security agencies would increase police presence wherever intelligence assessments indicated a potential threat to public safety.
Murkomen also revealed that approximately 10,000 newly trained police officers are expected to graduate within the next month and will be deployed to police stations across the country to strengthen law enforcement capacity and improve public security.
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