Murkomen: Gachagua is fuelling violence through divisive politics
By Sharon Atieno, July 6, 2026Fresh political tensions have erupted between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after Murkomen accused his political rival of promoting ethnic division and inciting violence through his public statements.
In a post shared on his Facebook page on Monday, July 6, 2026, Murkomen claimed Gachagua had continued to use inflammatory language by branding leaders from the Mount Kenya region who do not support his politics as “wasaliti” (traitors).
Murkomen accuses Gachagua of dangerous rhetoric
Murkomen alleged that describing political opponents as traitors amounted to dangerous political messaging that could fuel hostility and violence.
“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. Today was no different. He continued with his crusade to label leaders from his backyard who do not subscribe to his politics of tribalism as ‘wasaliti’,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS further argued that branding individuals as traitors had historically been used to isolate and target sections of society.
“Terming others as traitors of the community is a dog whistle that has been historically used to profile, ostracize and direct attacks against a section of society or individuals,” he stated.
Security agencies on alert
Murkomen maintained that security agencies had been instructed to monitor what he termed as inflammatory political remarks to prevent violence and safeguard national security.
“Our security agencies are under instruction to monitor his inflammatory utterances and take the necessary legal action before he endangers more lives and the security of the country,” he said.
He added that Kenya remained “a united, progressive and indivisible nation,” accusing Gachagua of advancing tribal politics that had no place in the country’s democratic space.
Remarks build on earlier warning
Murkomen’s latest attack comes barely two days after he declared that security agencies would closely monitor Gachagua’s political activities until the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Kaptilol Grounds in Elgeyo-Marakwet County on July 4, the Interior CS accused the former Deputy President of orchestrating violence and destabilising the country, warning that the government would not allow any individual to incite unrest ahead of the polls.
He also claimed police had been directed to act firmly against criminal gangs and their alleged financiers, although neither Murkomen nor Gachagua has publicly provided evidence to support the accusations exchanged between the two leaders.
The latest exchange adds to the growing political rivalry between Murkomen and Gachagua, with both leaders repeatedly accusing each other of fuelling political tension as the country gradually shifts focus towards the 2027 General Election.