I'm used to that song - Murkomen dismisses calls to resign following Ojwang’s death

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at the Senate Chambers on June 11,2025/ ENOS TECHE

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has brushed off renewed calls for his resignation following the controversial death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang’ in police custody.

Speaking during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday, Murkomen responded to criticism over his handling of the incident, saying demands for his resignation were not new.

“Some people speak as if I am six months old in this office. Even when I was two months in the office, they said I should resign. It is a song I have heard,” he said.

"I know of a particular senator who never even waited for two months. His national song is 'Murkomen Must Resign.' Mister Speaker, I am used to that song."

The CS reaffirmed that his position on police brutality and abductions has never wavered and that he continues to push for accountability within the National Police Service.

“My position has never changed. I am as strong as I was five years ago. My position on police brutality and abductions remains the same,” he said.

Murkomen acknowledged the challenges within the police service but emphasised that there are mechanisms in place to deal with such violations.

“As a CS, I know there are challenges in the National Police Service. There is enough precedent to deal with police brutality and extrajudicial killings,” he added.

He also expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), following its preliminary findings that ruled out suicide in Ojwang’s death and revealed tampering with CCTV systems.

“I have no doubt that the speed of IPOA, the perpetrators of this act will be brought to book,” Murkomen said.

His response came after Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called for his resignation during the first half of the session on Wednesday. 

“CS Murkomen, the National Security Council where you sit is charged with promoting and guaranteeing the security of the country, and you have the audacity to come and face the Parliament of Kenya and tell Kenyans that you don't see and you don't know,” he said.

“Please, for the respect of this young man, you are yet to grow a child up to the age of 31. Can you immediately resign? You are not fit to be in that docket. It is not personal. You cannot be an inspiration to be in the Cabinet.”

The Senate session comes amid mounting public scrutiny over Ojwang’s arrest and subsequent death, with lawmakers and human rights activists demanding answers and accountability from top security officials.