Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to provide evidence supporting his claims that police officers allegedly raped 68 women during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony at Tenwek Senior School in Bomet County, Murkomen defended the conduct of security officers deployed during the by-election, saying they carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the law.

The Cabinet Secretary urged anyone with information about the alleged incidents to formally report the matter to the police, assuring the public that any verified claims would be thoroughly investigated and those responsible prosecuted.

“To hear allegations that women were sexually assaulted, yet the leaders making those claims have not reported the matter to a police station, is deeply disturbing and painful for our nation,” Murkomen said.

“If they have people who were sexually assaulted, let them provide us with the names and the locations, and let those victims report the matter at the nearest police station. We will ensure that investigations are conducted and that the courts impose the appropriate punishment on those found guilty of the offences.”

Murkomen said allegations of such a serious nature should be handled through the relevant investigative agencies rather than being used in political discourse.

He cautioned that if the claims were intended solely for political gain without supporting evidence, they would undermine genuine victims of sexual violence.

“But if these claims are being made merely for political mileage, then that is cheap politics at its worst. Even in your purported victory, you are a terrible loser because you have allegedly used fictitious claims involving 68 women to make a political statement,” he stated.

The Interior CS further warned that if the allegations were fabricated for political purposes, those responsible should be held accountable for making false claims.

“I want to tell you this: you are a loser, and you will remain a loser if you use women as tools for political gain,” he said. “However, if these are real women, then they must be presented so that they can record statements with the police. Those responsible for perpetrating those acts must be taken to court and held accountable.”

Murkomen also urged political leaders across the country to avoid inflammatory statements that could heighten tensions, emphasizing that electoral contests should not be used to divide Kenyans or undermine public confidence in state institutions.