Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a fresh attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive politics, sponsoring criminal gangs and inciting violence for political gain.
Speaking at Kimwogo Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County during the launch of the Kabiemit Community Empowerment Programme, Murkomen described Gachagua as the “father of violence” in Kenya, claiming he was familiar with his political tactics.
“The reason Gachagua fears me is that I know him, and I know he is the father of violence in our country,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS further accused the former Deputy President of misleading Kenyans through what he termed deceptive politics, saying the public was beginning to see through his actions.
“He has conned people for far too long, but I want to tell him, ‘You can con some people some of the time, but you cannot con all the people all the time,'” he said.
Murkomen’s remarks come in the aftermath of the June 25 demonstrations, which he claimed opposition leaders had attempted to use to destabilise the country.
Without providing evidence, the Cabinet Secretary alleged that some politicians were recruiting criminal gangs and using violence to pursue their political objectives.
“Any person who is involved in recruiting gangs and criminals, we will deal with them decisively and in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He reiterated that the government would not tolerate individuals found to be financing or organising violent activities, adding that security agencies would continue enforcing the law to protect lives and property.
Murkomen was attending an empowerment event organised under the Kabiemit Community Empowerment Programme, an initiative spearheaded by Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei in partnership with the OKM Foundation. The programme seeks to complement the government’s development agenda through youth empowerment, financial inclusion, job creation and economic growth.
The event was also attended by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, County Assembly Speaker Lawi Kibire, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Aldai MP Marianne Kitany and other local leaders.
Gachagua had not publicly responded to Murkomen’s remarks by the time of publication.
