Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come under sharp criticism from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) over remarks he made regarding a disruption that occurred during the party’s official launch.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, May 16, 2025, DCP termed the remarks by Murkomen as “reckless and baseless” after he alleged that individuals involved in the disruption had been invited and promised money.
“We are equally shocked by the reckless and baseless statement made by CS Kipchumba Murkomen, claiming that the individuals involved were invited and promised money. Such a statement is not only false but also dangerously irresponsible,” the party said through its verified X account.
During the launch on Thursday, May 15, 2025, three journalists were injured amid a melee that erupted shortly after the event began.
Gachagua's security team fired shots into the air to
disperse a group of rowdy goons who attempted to access the party headquarters
along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington.
According to CS Murkomen, the chaos ensued after some of Gachagua's supporters were angered over not being paid.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the supporters were expecting to be paid, and as a result of fighting for those resources, there was a melee that led to a stampede, and some of the journalists covering the event were injured," Murkomen said.
"People in civilian clothing drew their guns and fired in the air. Investigations are ongoing to establish who they are and what they did. But what is of significance is that we ask all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, to seek the services of the NPS when hosting public events to secure and protect the public."
DCP argued that Murkomen’s remarks echoed a familiar narrative used in a previous incident, where alleged hired goons attempted to disrupt a church event attended by Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua.
The party linked the disruption at its headquarters to political rivalry, claiming it was a coordinated attempt to derail its growing momentum.
“We strongly condemn the incident involving goons who were sent to disrupt the unveiling of our Party at our Head Office yesterday. This shameful act is a clear indication that our political progress is unsettling our opponents,” the statement read.
DCP reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, insisting that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to form and join political parties without fear or intimidation.
“Kenya is a democratic nation, and every citizen has the constitutional right to associate freely and form political parties. Intimidation tactics and acts of political thuggery have no place in our democracy,” the party stated.
Despite the attempted disruption, DCP vowed to stay the course, declaring it would not be cowed by what it termed “sponsored hooliganism.”
“Let it be known that our party will not be intimidated or distracted. We remain steadfast and focused on our mission for a better, united Kenya,” the party affirmed.
