Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the country’s security record, dismissed criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and urged police to step up the fight against criminal gangs.

Speaking on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during the launch of the new system and the handover of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) certificate to the Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU), Murkomen said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja continues to enjoy public confidence despite repeated criticism from Gachagua. He defended Kanja’s leadership, saying there was no basis to question his ability to head the National Police Service.

“There is no pending impeachment against you. It means that, as the Inspector General, you have the trust of the people of Kenya,” Murkomen told Kanja.

The Interior CS said the government had invested heavily in strengthening national security under President William Ruto’s administration. According to Murkomen, those efforts have reduced terrorism, banditry and other forms of crime across the country.

“Kenya is safer and more secure than ever before. There has never been a period with fewer incidents of terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities than now. The statistics speak for themselves,” he said.

Murkomen’s remarks come amid growing political criticism from Gachagua, who has repeatedly accused the government of failing to protect Kenyans and raised concerns over security operations in different parts of the country.

The CS rejected claims that the government had failed to act against lawlessness during the unrest witnessed in 2025. He said security agencies responded firmly and arrested more than 3,000 suspects linked to the violence.

Murkomen said such figures showed that the government had taken decisive action and should not be portrayed as inactive in dealing with criminal acts.

The Interior CS also addressed allegations of sexual violence against women during the recent Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua had raised concerns over the reported incidents, but Murkomen said the claims should be supported by evidence before being presented as fact.

He urged media organisations to verify information before publishing or broadcasting reports that could create unnecessary tension or undermine public confidence.

Murkomen warns against division

Murkomen also challenged doctors who allegedly treated the victims to record statements with investigators. He said formal statements would allow detectives to investigate the claims thoroughly and ensure justice if any offences were committed.

The CS further welcomed what he described as a change in position by religious leaders on criminal gangs. He said some church leaders had previously been reluctant to support action against suspected goons but were now openly calling for tougher enforcement.

“I’m happy that the bishops have changed their position and now want goons to be dealt with. We now have a national consensus that this issue must be dealt with,” he said.

Murkomen directed police officers to intensify operations against criminal gangs and assured them that the government fully supports their work.

“Police, you know your job and you have our support. Deal with these goons ruthlessly. It is your duty to make our country safe,” he said.

The CS also criticised Gachagua over remarks in which he allegedly referred to some people from the Mount Kenya region as traitors. Murkomen warned that such language could encourage ethnic profiling and deepen political divisions.

“The idea of profiling Kenyans as wasaliti is going to give birth to something else. He wants to recruit a militia before the election,” he said.

Murkomen called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to enforce its mandate and take action against any statements or groups that threaten national unity.

“I want to ask NCIC to take its mandate very seriously,” he said, adding that any unlawful groups would be dealt with in accordance with the law.