Demands mounts for Murkomen, Omollo exit over rising political goonism
Pressure is mounting on the Interior Ministry as political leaders escalate accusations over rising cases of violence and alleged state inaction, with fresh calls for top officials to resign.
Seki Lenku, the Kajiado Senator, has called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, accusing them of failing to curb what he described as “rampant political goonism” across the country.
Speaking in Loitoktok, Kajiado South, Lenku said the Interior Ministry had not done enough to address escalating attacks targeting political leaders, warning that the trend was instilling fear among those critical of the government.
“The situation has created fear among leaders who openly criticise the government,” Lenku said, adding that the increasing frequency of such attacks, coupled with a lack of arrests, pointed to a breakdown in law and order.
He cautioned that continued inaction could shrink democratic space and undermine freedom of expression, urging security agencies to act impartially and protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
His remarks come amid similar claims by Godfrey Osotsi, who has accused Principal Secretary Omollo of orchestrating a violent attack against him in Kisumu—allegations the government has not publicly responded to.
Osotsi recounted that what began as a routine visit during the parliamentary recess turned violent when a group of about 15 to 20 young men confronted him at a café.
“They started hitting me while questioning why I support the one-term slogan,” he said, claiming he lost consciousness during the assault.
He sustained injuries including a swollen face, a paralysed hand and a knee injury. His security team later intervened, forcing the attackers to flee.
Lenku insisted that leadership must take responsibility, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden perpetrators and worsen political instability.
However, Interior CS Murkomen has defended the government’s efforts, even as he acknowledged a worrying rise in politically instigated violence.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, Murkomen announced the deployment of a special police unit to tackle criminal gangs and rising insecurity in the region.
“I have told the Inspector General of the National Police Servoice Douglas Kanja to deploy a special team to Trans Nzoia to put an end to gangs that have been terrorising locals,” he said, warning politicians against financing or arming youth to engage in violence.
Murkomen maintained that the government had made significant progress in tackling terrorism, banditry and organised crime, but cautioned that political violence now threatens these gains.
“As we intensify efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, I call on all leaders to distance themselves from these destructive tendencies,” he said.
The escalating war of words highlights growing concern over security and political tolerance, with pressure building on authorities to restore public confidence and ensure accountability.
