Machakos Deputy Governor slams Murkomen over 'divisive' remarks

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi Speaking during a county empowerment programme in Matungulu North ward on Saturday, June 28, 2025. /SCREEGRAB

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has taken a swipe at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of making “divisive statements” that further alienate citizens from the government.

Speaking during a county empowerment programme in Matungulu North ward on Saturday, Mwangangi said the country needs leaders who foster unity, not division, especially in the wake of deadly anti-government protests.

“The statements we make as leaders must be unifying,” said Mwangangi.

“We cannot speak in ways that drive a wedge between citizens and the state, especially when emotions are still raw and people are grieving.”

His comments come amid national backlash over Murkomen’s reported remarks related to police use of lethal force during Wednesday’s protests.

While Murkomen has denied issuing any “shoot-to-kill” orders, critics—including Mwangangi—have questioned the appropriateness of the statements attributed to him.

Murkomen, in his defense, has maintained that he neither issued such a directive nor holds the legal authority to command the Inspector General of Police or any officer within the National Police Service.

Speaking on Saturday at a security briefing at State House convened by President William Ruto, Murkomen clarified his role, saying, “I cannot order an Inspector General of Police on anything because the Constitution does not allow me to do so.”

The June 25 protests, initially staged to honour victims of past demonstrations, spiraled into chaos, leaving at least 19 people dead and over 530 injured.

Shops in Nairobi were looted and torched, government buildings attacked, and law enforcement infrastructure severely damaged.

Mwangangi added that those in public service must reflect humility, uphold the constitution, and serve the people—not inflame tensions.

Additionally, the Deputy Governor raised concerns about what he described as selective application of justice.

He noted that while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over incitement, other outspoken leaders have not faced similar scrutiny.