Murkomen Directs IG Kanja to Fast-Track Probes Into Rising Goon Attacks

Murkomen Directs IG Kanja to Fast-Track Probes Into Rising Goon Attacks

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the National Police Service to accelerate investigations into a wave of politically linked violence, warning that individuals found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Speaking during a church service in Kitale on Sunday, Murkomen said he had issued firm instructions to Inspector General Douglas Kanja to act swiftly and decisively against those behind what he described as a rising trend of “goon attacks” across the country.

The CS emphasised that law enforcement agencies have been given full backing to pursue perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The Inspector General of Police has my full support and clear policy instructions to deal firmly, without fear or favour, with any political leader involved in sponsoring goons. We must not allow political considerations to interfere with efforts to resolve the challenges facing this country,” Murkomen stated.

His remarks come in the wake of a series of high-profile incidents that have raised concerns about escalating political tensions and public safety. Among them is the chaos witnessed in Kikuyu Constituency on Saturday, where a rally linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted, resulting in confrontations between police and sections of the crowd.

During the incident, opposition leaders reported that their convoy was intercepted, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka alleging that police diverted his group toward the Nairobi–Nakuru highway amid heightened tensions.

In a separate case earlier in the week, Godfrey Osotsi sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a group of individuals in Kisumu, in what he later described as a politically motivated assault.

More recently, violence also erupted during a burial ceremony in Kakamega County, where rival factions clashed, leaving several mourners injured and property destroyed. At least one person was reportedly stabbed during the confrontation, further highlighting the growing concern over violence at public gatherings.

Murkomen appeared to place significant responsibility on political actors, warning that those in leadership positions pose a serious threat if they incite or facilitate violence.

“The greatest threat to national security is not the citizens, it is those who are wearing suits and are seeking high offices,” he said.

“These politicians are the quickest ones to criticise the government. But how do you expect the government to provide security if you have mobilised thousands of citizens with weapons?” he added.

The CS maintained that the government remains committed to restoring order and ensuring that political competition does not devolve into violence.

However, opposition leaders have pushed back against the government’s position, accusing state agencies of selectively applying the law and, in some cases, being complicit in the unrest.

Gachagua, who has recently been at the centre of several political confrontations, condemned what he described as excessive use of force by security agencies during opposition events.

“Yesterday, they used teargas and used gunfire on us, but we are the sons of Mau Mau. We battled with the police, and our meeting went on,” he said during a rally in Kajiado.

The exchange of accusations between government and opposition leaders underscores a deepening political divide, with both sides trading blame over the recent incidents.

Security analysts warn that unless swift and impartial investigations are conducted, the situation could escalate further, particularly as political activity intensifies across the country.

As the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continues its probes, attention is now turning to whether arrests will be made and whether those found responsible—regardless of status—will be held accountable.

For now, the government insists that restoring law and order remains a top priority, even as calls grow louder for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law in managing political differences.

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Murkomen Directs IG Kanja to Fast-Track Probes Into Rising Goon Attacks