A long-simmering rivalry between the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei erupted into a heated verbal exchange on Wednesday during Senate proceedings, drawing sharp focus to the underlying tensions within the political class.’
The fiery confrontation saw both leaders trade barbs, with accusations of incompetence met with personal jabs about academic performance.
The latest public spat unfolded as CS Murkomen appeared before the Senate alongside police chiefs to shed light on the ongoing murder probe of influencer Albert Ojwang.
Senator Cherargei, a vocal critic of Murkomen’s leadership in the security docket, seized the opportunity to renew his calls for the CS’s resignation, linking him to perceived failures in addressing insecurity.
“The Ministry of Interior suffers from a leadership crisis. It’s good that the nation has seen the incompetence of CS Murkomen on this matter, and if anybody has to resign, it starts with Murkomen,” Senator Cherargei stated, urging that Murkomen be held culpable for Ojwang’s death.
He further suggested a cabinet reshuffle, humorously proposing Murkomen be reassigned to the Sports docket, claiming he brings “mchezo” (play/jokes) into serious matters.
In a swift and unreserved response, CS Murkomen vehemently defended his track record and launched a scathing attack on the Nandi Senator.
“If performance is to go by, anyone can assess mine, not Cherargei. This chamber is a serious House,” Murkomen retorted, dismissing Cherargei’s remarks as driven by spite and a quest for political mileage.
The exchange escalated when Murkomen made a direct personal jab at Cherargei’s academic past. “Senator Cherargei was my student, and I taught him more than two subjects. His performance was below average! He has no legitimacy to question my competency, and I will table the results if required,” the CS asserted, sparking murmurs in the chamber.
Senator Cherargei later took to social media to refute the claims, stating, “For the record, CS Murkomen never taught me in any class of law.”
This is not the first time the two prominent politicians have locked horns. Their rivalry dates back to Murkomen’s tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, where Cherargei frequently criticised his performance, including allegations of failure to address road accidents and issues surrounding tender awards.
In March 2024, Murkomen reportedly filed a lawsuit against Cherargei over corruption claims related to a Chinese investor.
Previous incidents also include Cherargei being ejected from the Senate during Murkomen’s grilling and public exchanges at funerals over development matters.
ALSO READ: MP Babu Owino writes a poem to honour the late Albert Ojwang’
