Cherargei sustains attacks on Murkomen over insecurity in Kerio Valley, but governors defend CS

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has maintained his criticism of Interior CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of incompetence and demanding his resignation if he cannot resolve the insecurity issues in Kerio Valley.

Murkomen was out of the country and unavailable for comment regarding Cherargei's accusations. However, governors Stephen Sang of Nandi and Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet defended the CS, stating he was “doing his best” to address the security concerns.

Cherargei contends that Murkomen has been unable to tackle insecurity in his county, Elgeyo Marakwet, citing the recent killing of Catholic priest Allois Bett two weeks ago. 

"They say charity begins at home and if you cannot fix insecurity in your own home county, then how will you deal with the country?" questioned Cherargei. 

He said it was annoying that no suspects had been apprehended since Father Bett's killing. 

Bett was buried in Nandi County on Tuesday, after which Cherargei labelled Murkomen a failure in managing the country's security.

"If you are unable to deal with the insecurity, then just take a walk. We have so many young people who can do it," Cherargei remarked. 

He added that they would ask President William Ruto to transfer Murkomen to another portfolio. "He can go and be an ambassador somewhere, but not joke around with security matters," Cherargei stated.

The senator reiterated his call for the Kerio Valley region to be gazetted as a disturbed area to facilitate a disarmament operation.

Sang and Rotich, along with Senator William Kisang of Elgeyo Marakwet, urged residents to support government efforts to restore security in the region. 

"We know the CS is a hardworking person on matters of security, but it’s upon all of us to support his efforts and the government's plan to restore peace and security in the Kerio Valley region," Sang said. 

He emphasised that the CS, as an individual, could not be everywhere to address security issues, hence the need for leaders and Kenyans to collaborate in ensuring the country's safety.

Senator Kisang affirmed that the community would cooperate with the government on peace initiatives, which have undermined development in the region. 

Rotich appealed to the community to identify criminals among them, especially those responsible for Bett's murder. 

"We are ready to do everything possible to bring the killers to book and also restore peace in Kerio Valley," Rotich pledged.

Bett's family, led by his mother Eunice Bender, had earlier said they had forgiven the killers. 

Family spokesman Amos Samoei said despite having questions about the death, they decided to forgive hoping their son's blood, spilled in Kerio Valley, would shower the region with lasting peace and unity.

Samoei however questioned why security agencies took only three days to arrest the killers of an MP recently murdered in Nairobi, yet had failed to apprehend the priest's killers.

Bett was attacked by armed men as he returned from mass at a village approximately two kilometres from the church. 

His murder sparked widespread condemnation and created tension and fear in Kerio Valley.

Tension persists in the region, with 100 healthcare workers, including nurses and clinical officers, having withdrawn after the Catholic Church shut down its missionary operations and stations in the area, including the Chesongoch Mission Hospital, due to worsening insecurity.