Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has backed the police leadership amid growing questions over last week’s Ol Kalou by election gangs’ probe.
This is despite him ordering investigations hours after the chaotic by-elections, into claims of violence meted out by masked individuals shooting at locals and even uniformed police officers from speeding vehicles during the poll.
Speaking during the launch of the Multi-Biometric Identification System at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Thursday July 23, Mr Murkomen expressed confidence in the police leadership and urged detectives to deal firmly with criminal gangs.
However, he did not explain why no arrests have been announced a week after armed gangs terrorised residents, killed two people and disrupted the Ol Kalou by-election, despite the widespread circulation of photographs, videos and vehicle registration numbers allegedly linked to the attackers.
“I want to tell you, IG, I have full support and faith in your leadership of the National Police Service. I believe you are competent, properly identified by the President, vetted by Parliament and, since you assumed office as IG, you have carried out your duties with dignity, respect and honour. There is no motion of impeachment against you. No petition has come that you should be removed from office,” Mr Murkomen said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (right) and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja during the launch of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MIBS) at the DCI Headquarters on July 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
“Kenya is safer and more secure than ever before. There has never been a time when we have had fewer attacks, robberies, banditry, terrorism and all kinds of theft. Statistics speak for themselves,” he said.
His remarks came amid mounting criticism over the apparent lack of progress in investigations into the violence that marred the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where masked gangs attacked members of the public, journalists and political supporters in broad daylight.
Although President William Ruto directed security agencies earlier this week to crack down on political goons and "stop criminality", no arrests linked to the Ol Kalou attacks have been publicly announced.
Instead, Mr Murkomen told detectives gathered at the DCI headquarters that they had the government's backing to pursue criminals.
“DCI, we are supporting you. Deal with these criminals ruthlessly. You now have the technology,” he said.
The CS, however, did not address why suspects linked to the Ol Kalou violence have not been apprehended.
He maintained that his role was limited to policy direction, saying operational decisions rested with the Inspector-General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (right) and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja during the launch of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MIBS) at the DCI Headquarters on July 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
“The IG is not under the command of CS Murkomen. I have no authority to direct the IG in the performance of his duties. Mine is to offer policy direction. The detectives here know their job,” he said.
On political gangs, Mr Murkomen suggested the problem had been exaggerated.
“This situation is not as bad as it is being exaggerated. All these politicians have had bouncers and bodyguards who, from time to time, get converted into goons,” he said.
He blamed politicians across the political divide for nurturing violent gangs, claiming some leaders had deployed similar groups during the 2024 anti-government protests.
“In 2024 and 2025, over 3,000 goons were arrested. The courts released them on bail as low as Sh2,000,” he said, while urging detectives to intensify the crackdown.
His remarks, however, did not address growing questions over why no suspects have been presented in court over the Ol Kalou attacks despite what investigators and members of the public describe as extensive visual evidence.
“Now that we have consensus, our security agencies must do their job within the law and stop criminality. That's how we will secure Kenya's future,” the President said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the President's position a day later, warning politicians against sponsoring gangs.
