Murkomen Dismisses Gachagua’s Assassination Claims, Says Allegations Are Meant to Court Public Attention
Speaking during a press briefing after issuing a national security update on the June 25 memorial protests, Murkomen rejected claims that a special police unit had been deployed to eliminate Gachagua, maintaining that security agencies remain committed to protecting all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliation.
The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks followed a statement issued by Gachagua on June 24 in which the former Deputy President alleged that a police team operating under the code name “Nairobi Sierra” had been deployed to Nyeri County to target him ahead of the nationwide demonstrations commemorating victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Murkomen, however, dismissed the accusations, arguing that Gachagua has repeatedly made similar allegations against successive government officials without presenting evidence to support the claims.
“Most of the things he was talking about, that he was going to be assassinated, he is a clout chaser. So anything that is of public interest, he likes to make it about himself,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS maintained that the government’s priority remains safeguarding public security and ensuring peaceful demonstrations are conducted within the confines of the Constitution.
Gachagua Revived Earlier Claims
In his statement, Gachagua claimed the officers had assembled in Mathira and were preparing to carry out attacks across parts of Nyeri County during the June 25 protests.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader further alleged that the same officers had previously been involved in the chaotic incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya earlier this year, where a church service he attended was disrupted after teargas was reportedly lobbed into the congregation.
According to Gachagua, the operation amounted to an assassination attempt that failed, prompting what he described as a fresh mission to “complete the job.”
The former Deputy President also alleged that the police unit had expanded in size and was coordinating activities aimed at creating insecurity in parts of the Mt Kenya region.
Murkomen Accuses Gachagua of Ethnic Profiling
While responding to the allegations, Murkomen criticised Gachagua for what he termed as repeated ethnic profiling of senior public officers.
The Cabinet Secretary argued that the former Deputy President had consistently singled out the Deputy Inspector General of Police instead of addressing concerns through the Inspector General of Police, who constitutionally heads the National Police Service.
“I am used to his tirades. By the way, it is not a new thing. Even in the last administration he used to say the same about the former minister. But I see now he is very cozy with that minister and he doesn’t ask questions about what he used to say in the past,” Murkomen stated.
“He must respect offices. This ethnic profiling of public officers for personal gain must come to an end,” the Interior CS added.
Security in Focus After June 25 Demonstrations
The exchange comes in the aftermath of nationwide demonstrations held to commemorate victims of the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
The anniversary protests attracted thousands of participants across several counties and were accompanied by heightened security operations as police sought to maintain public order while facilitating peaceful demonstrations.
Ahead of the protests, government officials repeatedly warned against the infiltration of criminal gangs and individuals intent on causing violence or destroying property.
Authorities also maintained that security agencies had received intelligence suggesting attempts by some groups to exploit the demonstrations for criminal and political purposes.
Human Rights Debate Continues
Gachagua’s allegations also emerge amid ongoing public debate over reported abductions, enforced disappearances and alleged human rights violations linked to the aftermath of the 2024 protests.
Government officials have consistently denied involvement in unlawful abductions and maintain that security agencies operate strictly within the Constitution and the law.
As political tensions continue to shape Kenya’s public discourse ahead of the 2027 General Election, the latest exchange between Murkomen and Gachagua underscores the increasingly sharp contest over security, governance and public accountability, with both leaders maintaining firmly opposing positions on the role of state institutions in managing political dissent.
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Murkomen Dismisses Gachagua’s Assassination Claims, Says Allegations Are Meant to Court Public Attention
