Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. (Inset) The late Minister John Michuki.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday directed administrators and security officers to actively highlight government achievements while ensuring peace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Murang’a County, the CS met security officials at the county commissioner’s office before inspecting civil and National Identity Card registration at the Huduma Centre grounds. He later addressed a town hall meeting that brought together members of the public, leaders, security agencies, and administrators.
Mr Murkomen reiterated that the government will press terrorism-related charges against protesters who resort to extreme violence targeting people, businesses, property, infrastructure, and government offices.
“You can continue saying we are pursuing trumped-up charges… but who said they are trumped-up? What do you call someone who burns property or raids police stations?” he posed.
He said that beyond his role as CS, patriotism drives his commitment to safeguard the country and promote unity beyond politics.
The CS further emphasised that he is implementing President William Ruto’s directive to root out corruption within security departments.
“We must end the bad habit of being perpetual suspects in the corruption index. We are even ranked worse than tax officers, yet they handle money directly. We might laugh about it, but I mean business,” he said.
President William Ruto.
Mr Murkomen added that he intends to emulate the late former Interior Minister John Michuki, who was known for his uncompromising fight against crime.
“In honour of Mr Michuki, I will not entertain gangs and sects extorting money and spreading fear,” he said, warning that any security head tolerating such groups would face harsh disciplinary action.
In Murang’a County, gangs reportedly control public transport routes, quarries, dump sites, construction projects and ranches.
The CS further directed administrators to improve communication, warning that the government must not suffer bad publicity due to complacency or poor messaging by its officers.
“The government’s success story cannot be left to politicians alone. Administrators are among the most trusted officers who hold the country together. It would be unacceptable for a chief to attend a public meeting and fail to explain government programmes such as healthcare insurance and the education funding model,” he said.
Mr Murkomen also singled out the traffic department as a hotspot for corruption, accusing officers of shamelessly collecting bribes at roadblocks.
“You take bribes in broad daylight, pretending we don’t know. This must stop. As the President has said, now is the time for both officers and the public to end this culture of corruption,” he stressed.
The CS also urged officers to serve with diligence and integrity, reminding them that “holding a public service job is a rare privilege.”
During the meeting, local officers complained that policing in Murang’a was increasingly difficult due to interference by politicians allied to the government. They accused some leaders of harassing and intimidating them, frustrating investigations and pushing for arbitrary transfers of firm officers.
They cited several instances where politicians stormed police stations demanding the release of suspects or the transfer of officers, thereby emboldening offenders.
In the past two years, Maragua MP Mary wa Maua has stormed Maragua, Sabasaba and Makuyu police stations with similar demands. Last week, Ms Wamaua, accompanied by Woman Rep Betty Maina, stormed Ng’ati Police Station in Ithanga Kakuzi Sub-county, demanding the transfer of two senior officers accused of harassing locals.
Maragua MP Mary Wa Maua.
Kahuro Police boss Cyrus Maina cited an incident where a politician openly declared that he was protecting a notorious illicit brew distiller, even though the suspect was already facing charges in court.
Murang’a South Deputy County Commissioner Gitonga Murungi separately raised concern about the poor state of the road leading to Maranjau Prison, warning that it endangered both officers and inmates.
The CS was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli, Prisons Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh, Internal Security Secretary Thomas Saka, National Administration Secretary Moses Lilan, National Registration Bureau Secretary Dr Christopher Wanjau, Civil Registration Services Secretary Paul Mwangemi, Nacada CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa, and Central Kenya Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha.
Also present were Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi and Murang’a acting County Commissioner Charles Murithi.
