Murkomen accuses Gachagua of fuelling fear in Mt Kenya
By Faith Lagat, July 8, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of creating fear in the Mt Kenya region to intimidate business people and undermine national unity.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Murkomen said security agencies were monitoring Gachagua’s activities and pledged to protect lives and property.
“Listening to Gachagua today has confirmed our worst fears that he is on a mission to create an atmosphere of fear and siege in the Mt. Kenya region with the sole aim of extorting money from leading businesspeople,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen said the government was concerned that the former deputy president’s political activities were creating uncertainty in the region, particularly among the business community. He claimed the objective was to intimidate investors and traders through fear, warning that such actions could affect economic activity and public confidence.
Government will not allow
The Interior Cabinet Secretary said the government would not allow any acts that threaten businesses or public safety. He added that security agencies had intensified surveillance and would take action to protect residents and their property as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
Murkomen said security agencies would continue monitoring the situation and respond within the law to safeguard peace and stability. He reiterated that the government remained committed to protecting lives, property and businesses across the country.
Murkomen’s statement came as political activity intensifies ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Previous remarks
The latest statement follows a series of recent attacks by the Interior CS against the former Deputy President. On July 6, 2026, Murkomen criticised Gachagua over his use of the term “wasaliti” to refer to political opponents in the Mt Kenya region.
“Every time Rigathi Gachagua opens his mouth to speak, he affirms to all and sundry that he is the Lord of Violence and Master of Ethnic Bigotry,” Murkomen said.
Earlier, while speaking at Kaptilol Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County on July 4, 2026, Murkomen said security agencies would closely monitor Gachagua’s political activities.
“Rigathi Gachagua, my business now until Kenya crosses 2027 safely is to monitor your activities… You are my single most point of focus because of the threat you are posing as the father of violence.”
Murkomen said the government would act against anyone found engaging in activities that threaten public peace or security.
Political exchanges
Gachagua has, however, accused the government of frustrating activities organised by the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), particularly in Ol Kalou ahead of the July 16, 2026 parliamentary by-election.
He said supporters had faced arrests and disruption during party activities in the area. The exchange between the two leaders comes amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where parties have intensified campaigns ahead of the by-election.
The region is expected to remain a key battleground as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election. Murkomen said security agencies would continue monitoring developments to ensure the safety of residents and businesses.
He said the government remained committed to maintaining peace and protecting property across the country.
The latest exchange adds to growing political tensions between the two leaders, who have repeatedly differed over security, governance, and political mobilisation in the Mt Kenya region in recent months.