Sifuna raises alarm over Murkomen’s “we know where you sleep” remarks

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised alarm over remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen suggesting that the government monitors the private lives of political leaders.

He warned that such statements pose a serious threat to constitutional rights and democratic space.

Sifuna spoke during a session of the Senate Committee on National Security, where Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had appeared to respond to concerns over security and policing.

The senator described Murkomen’s earlier comments- in which he said “we know where everyone sleeps, and who they sleep with” - as deeply troubling.

“Those statements from the Interior CS are very worrying. We have a constitutional right to privacy,” Sifuna told the committee. “If Murkomen can confirm where Sifuna sleeps and who he sleeps with, it means he is monitoring my movement.”

The outspoken legislator demanded clarity from the police leadership on whether opposition figures are under surveillance, insisting that such actions would be unjustified.

“I am very worried. As the IG of police, you need to assure us- if I am under surveillance, you need to tell me. I am not a criminal,” he said. “Why is where we sleep and with who the business of the Ministry of Interior? What you should be focusing on is fighting crime.”

Murkomen’s remarks, made last month amid heightened political tensions, have sparked debate across the political divide, with critics interpreting them as an indication of intrusive state surveillance targeting opposition leaders.

During the same session, Sifuna also sought answers regarding the use of force in dispersing opposition gatherings, particularly the deployment of tear gas canisters whose origins have in some cases been disputed.

“One of the things you need to clarify - please explain whether incendiary devices such as tear gas canisters are serialised and the chain of custody of the weapons,” Sifuna said.

“Is it possible to ascertain where that tear gas canister came from? Even when firearms are released from a police station, I believe there is a register.”

He further questioned whether civilians could access such equipment without the involvement of law enforcement officers.

“Tell us whether it is possible for a civilian to have a tear gas canister without connivance of the police,” he posed.

The senator also referenced the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, raising concerns over reports that suspects linked to the incident may have fled the country.

“In the incident involving Senator Osotsi, we are being told that the suspect somehow sneaked out of the country,” Sifuna said, questioning the effectiveness of security agencies in preventing such occurrences.