Politicians biggest threat to security, says Murkomen

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that politicians have now emerged as the greatest threat to the country’s peace and stability.

Murkomen said politicians have surpassed traditional security concerns such as banditry and hooliganism.

Speaking during a church service at the Africa Inland Church in Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet county, Murkomen said the nature of insecurity in the country has shifted, with political incitement taking centre stage.

“The only threat we face in our security sector is no longer banditry, it is not hooliganism and goons. The greatest threat is politicians who are bankrupt of ideas and have resorted to incitement and name-calling,” he said.

The CS issued a stern warning to leaders engaging in divisive rhetoric, saying the government would not hesitate to take legal action against those found culpable.

“We will be taking very firm legal measures against anyone who is going to incite Kenyans to fight each other,” Murkomen said. “Let me assure Kenyans, it will not happen under the watch of President William Ruto that Kenyans will be incited by some individuals.”

Murkomen said the government was putting in place measures to curb inflammatory political conduct, stressing that leadership comes with responsibility.

“We will make sure that measures are put in place so that they do not have space to carry out this mission of incitement. Every leader must lead by example, and let’s stop the lies,” he said.

He further criticised some politicians for lacking substance, claiming they had failed to contribute meaningfully even when given opportunities in government.

“They have no single agenda. Some never proposed anything when we served with them in government. They never spoke. Nobody remembers them for anything they did for the country,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also took issue with what he described as increased use of media platforms to spread divisive messages.

“They are all over social media, FM stations inciting Kenyans. As a nation, we must shun those kind of leaders,” Murkomen said.

His remarks come amid growing concern from security agencies over rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.

In February, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja awarned against inflammatory remarks by politicians and public figures, promising firm action against those found culpable.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion on February 25, Kanja said the increasing trend of divisive rhetoric poses a serious risk to public order and national unity.

“As the country approaches the 2027 general election, a period of heightened political activity, the service remains vigilant and committed to preventing incitement, hate speech and any action likely to disrupt national unity and stability,” he told the committee.