Murkomen Dismisses Gachagua’s Assassination Claims as Political Attention-Seeking
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly dismissed allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that a specialised police unit had been deployed to assassinate him, describing the claims as an attempt to attract public attention.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday following a security assessment of the June 25 demonstrations, Murkomen accused Gachagua of repeatedly inserting himself into matters of national concern for political relevance.
The Cabinet Secretary was responding to remarks made by Gachagua on June 24, in which the former Deputy President claimed that a police unit he had previously accused of plotting his assassination had been redeployed to Nyeri County ahead of the nationwide protests.
Addressing journalists, Murkomen dismissed the allegations outright, saying there was no basis for the claims.
“Most of the things he was talking about, that he was going to be assassinated, he is a clout chaser. So anything that is of public interest, he likes to make it about himself,” Murkomen stated.
The Interior CS maintained that security agencies remain focused on preserving law and order and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans, particularly during periods of heightened political activity and public demonstrations.
Gachagua, who has emerged as one of the government’s most vocal critics since leaving office, has in recent months repeatedly alleged that elements within the state are targeting him for political reasons. He has previously claimed that his life is in danger and called on security agencies to guarantee his safety.
His latest allegations came on the eve of the June 25 demonstrations, which were held across several parts of the country to commemorate the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets.
The claims have further intensified the growing political standoff between the former Deputy President and senior figures within President William Ruto’s administration.
While Gachagua insists there are credible threats against him, government officials have consistently rejected the accusations, arguing that security agencies operate within the law and do not target individuals based on their political affiliations.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in an increasingly bitter war of words between the two sides as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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