Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen/HANDOUTInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered security agencies to take preventive action against people described as political goons, including arresting suspected facilitators before they reach rallies.
“The DCI should not wait until goons are in a particular rally. They must be able to take preventive measures and arrest them,” Murkomen said.
He also urged Kenyans to shun political rallies organised by leaders he said sponsor or facilitate goonism, warning that such gatherings could put lives at risk.
“I am advising Kenyans not to go to rallies of politicians who walk around with goons,” he said.
Murkomen spoke in Oldonyiro, Isiolo County, during a Youth and Women Empowerment Programme, where he addressed concerns over political violence and the security of public gatherings.
The CS said early intervention by security agencies had helped avert a serious incident during the recent Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.
He said police had acted on intelligence reports to arrest people described as suspected criminals before the rally, arguing that the intervention prevented further loss of life.
“If the NPS, IG and DCI had not arrested those criminals before the rally, we would be talking about something else. More lives could have been lost had they not taken preventive measures based on intelligence reports,” Murkomen said.
He said political leaders had a responsibility to cooperate with security agencies and follow protocols when organising public meetings.
Murkomen further claimed the Linda Mwananchi organisers had ignored security advisories issued ahead of the Homa Bay meeting.
“I want to urge all politicians to work with security officials and follow security protocols to ensure that their meetings are safe,” he said.
The CS criticised political leaders who, he alleged, distance themselves from violence while supporting people described as suspects in disruptions at meetings.
“It is a big shame that they are pretending to be angels, yet they are the ones who mobilised goons,” he said.
Murkomen also took issue with politicians who assist people described as suspects in violence after their arrest and appearance in court, arguing that such actions could encourage lawlessness.
His remarks come amid political activity as leaders and candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned politicians against mobilising supporters to disrupt rival political meetings, with security agencies expected to maintain order during the campaign period.
Murkomen said the Government would not allow political competition to descend into violence and warned those planning to use goons to disrupt meetings that security agencies would take action.
He called on political leaders to allow rival groups to hold their meetings peacefully, saying politicians should compete through their ideas and policies rather than intimidation.
The CS said the Government's responsibility was to provide security to all Kenyans regardless of their affiliations.
He reiterated that security agencies would continue using intelligence-led policing to identify potential threats and intervene before violence occurs.
Murkomen said peaceful political engagement remained essential to protecting the country's stability as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 elections.
