Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of allegedly financing and coordinating criminal gangs while publicly warning Kenyans about planned violence.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua claimed Murkomen’s recent disclosure that security agencies possessed intelligence on the mobilization of goons had instead raised more questions about the government’s handling of public security.
According to Gachagua, the admission effectively confirmed concerns that authorities had prior knowledge of potential criminal activities but failed to take preventive action.
“I am vindicated. Kenyans are more convinced than ever before that my position has all along been true and factual; we have the most clueless Minister in charge of security since independence,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President questioned why the Interior CS would publicly acknowledge the existence of intelligence reports without outlining measures taken to neutralize the alleged threats.
“If he is aware of their plans, why can’t he stop them? Is he unwilling to stop them, does he lack the capacity, or what does he expect ordinary Kenyans to do if the Interior CS himself is lamenting?” Gachagua posed.
He further argued that Murkomen had failed to provide assurances that security agencies would protect lives and property, accusing him of shifting responsibility instead of addressing the concerns raised by citizens.
Gachagua also alleged that violence involving criminal gangs was being deliberately tolerated, claiming police officers had been instructed to stand aside while destruction occurred before later targeting political opponents with arrests.
“The police have clear instructions to allow goons to wreak havoc and only intervene later by arresting innocent people,” he claimed.
The former DP further criticized what he described as interference with the independence of the National Police Service, arguing that operational security matters fall under the mandate of the Inspector General of Police rather than the Interior Cabinet Secretary.
He questioned why Murkomen was commenting on security operations, insisting that the CS should restrict himself to policy matters while allowing police leadership to independently manage operational decisions.
Gachagua concluded by alleging that a parallel command structure had emerged within the country’s security system, claiming police officers were increasingly being forced to work alongside criminal elements, an accusation for which he did not provide evidence.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and growing debate over security, law enforcement, and accountability within government institutions.
