Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen with his Defence counterpart Soipan Tuiya in Baringo on July 24, 2026/MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned political leaders against engaging in activities that could undermine national security, saying the government will act against any organised criminal groups regardless of their political affiliations.
Speaking in Tiaty, Baringo County, where he assessed the security situation and presided over the launch of Kolowa Sub-County, Murkomen said security agencies would remain vigilant against any attempts to intimidate public officials or disrupt public order.
He was accompanied by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, East African Community, ASALs and her Regional Development counterpart Beatrice Askul, senior security officers and local leaders.
While hitting out at a particular opposition leader, Murkomen said the government had noted statements suggesting the mobilisation of young people and outlawed criminal gangs for political purposes and warned that any actions falling outside the law would be dealt with accordingly.
"I know there are plans to organise young people to intimidate those who do not share certain political views. We also hear people being labelled as traitors because of their political positions. We will not allow such actions," he said.
The CS added that the government would not permit the formation of unlawful groups targeting government officials, electoral officials or members of the public.
"We are not joking with this country. National security is not something to be treated lightly or turned into a political contest," Murkomen said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (right) has a word with Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir during the event/MINA
He maintained that while every Kenyan has a constitutional right to hold and express political opinions, those freedoms must be exercised within the law.
"If anyone believes they can use intimidation or criminal elements to advance political interests, those plans will not succeed. Our duty is to protect every Kenyan and uphold the law," he said.
Murkomen's remarks come days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during a televised interview, alleged that the Interior Ministry had failed to guarantee credible elections and questioned whether future polls would be free if Murkomen remained in office.
He also outlined plans to mobilise supporters to protect votes during the 2027 General Election.
The CS dismissed suggestions that the government would interfere with the electoral process, saying security agencies would remain professional and impartial.
"We will continue to discharge our constitutional mandate without fear or favour. Every Kenyan has the right to participate in politics, but no one has the right to threaten peace or public safety," he said.
Murkomen further said the Kenya Kwanza administration remained committed to protecting lives, property and national stability, urging leaders across the political divide to pursue their agendas peacefully and responsibly.
His remarks add to the recent exchange between the Interior Ministry and Gachagua over security, political mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 elections, with both sides trading accusations over the handling of recent political events.
