Murkomen warns politicians against hiring goons
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned politicians against hiring and deploying goons to political gatherings, saying security agencies have intensified intelligence operations to identify and arrest individuals planning violence before they execute their plans.
Murkomen said the Government would not allow political competition to descend into violence, warning that individuals recruited to cause disruption at public gatherings would be pursued and brought to justice. He said the new security measures were aimed at preventing violence rather than waiting for clashes to occur.
“There are a few politicians who hire and deploy goons at their functions,” Murkomen said, adding that security agencies were closely monitoring political networks suspected of recruiting young people to cause disorder at rallies and other public events.
The Interior CS spoke at Kabianga High School in Kericho County during the third edition of the Belgut Marathon, where he combined a strong security warning with a call for greater investment in sports as a way of engaging young people.
Murkomen said intelligence-led policing would enable authorities to identify potential troublemakers early and prevent them from turning political gatherings into scenes of confrontation. He warned that those who use violence to advance political interests would face the full force of the law.
His remarks came in the wake of violence reported in Homa Bay, which he cited as an example of the risks faced by security officers assigned to protect political teams and public gatherings. He said police officers protecting the Linda Wananchi team came under attack, leaving one officer dead and four others injured.
Murkomen said such incidents should not become part of Kenya’s political culture, stressing that political differences should be expressed through debate and peaceful mobilisation rather than intimidation, destruction or physical attacks.
He warned politicians who use violence as a tool of political mobilisation that security agencies would not stand aside while gangs were used to threaten citizens or disrupt public meetings.
The warning was reinforced by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo, who called on young people to reject politicians who incite violence.
Omollo said the youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments in political conflicts, particularly where they are encouraged to confront opponents or disrupt public meetings on behalf of politicians.
The security message was delivered against the backdrop of a marathon that sought to demonstrate how sports can provide young people with constructive opportunities while supporting education and community development.
Murkomen said the Government views sports not only as a source of entertainment and talent development but also as an important avenue for strengthening social cohesion and reducing the vulnerability of young people to drugs, crime and political manipulation.
“We are investing in sports to nurture talent, empower communities, strengthen cohesion, and create opportunities for young people to realize their full potential,” Murkomen said.
He said structured sporting programmes give young people opportunities to develop discipline, discover their abilities and pursue careers while bringing communities together around shared activities.
According to Murkomen, these benefits also have a bearing on national security because young people who have productive opportunities are less likely to be drawn into destructive activities.
“Sports also complement the fight against drug and substance abuse, aiding security, and advancing national development,” he said.
The Belgut Marathon was organized by area MP Nelson Koech as a charity event aimed at combining sporting competition with support for education. The race brought together athletes, students, political leaders and members of the public, with proceeds directed towards needy students at Belgut Starehe Girls and Boys.
The organisers raised Sh51 million for the education cause, providing a significant boost to students facing financial challenges. Murkomen commended Koech for turning the marathon into a platform for community support, saying initiatives that bring together sport, education and youth empowerment can have a lasting impact beyond the day of competition.
He also congratulated the athletes who took part, noting that their participation helped give the event both a competitive and charitable dimension.
Kiprop Kimutai emerged as the men’s winner while Jackline Chepngeno took the women’s title, leading a field of athletes who participated in the charity race.
For Murkomen, the Belgut event provided an opportunity to link two issues that are increasingly central to the Government’s public message: maintaining security and expanding opportunities for young people.
He said political mobilisation must remain peaceful and that leaders should compete for public support through policies, ideas and development programmes instead of using gangs to intimidate opponents.
The Interior CS said security agencies would continue using intelligence to disrupt plans for violence before they translate into attacks, while urging citizens to reject leaders who seek political advantage through confrontation and disorder.
He said the Government would remain firm in protecting public safety and ensuring that political gatherings are conducted within the law.
Murkomen further called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting individuals or groups suspected of planning violence, saying early intervention was critical in preventing incidents that could threaten lives and property.
He said maintaining peace was a shared responsibility involving security agencies, political leaders, young people and the wider public.
As political activity intensifies, Murkomen said security agencies would remain vigilant and take appropriate action against individuals found recruiting or mobilising people to cause violence.
By Gilbert Mutai
Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.