Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a sharp political attack against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of fuelling violence and engaging in divisive politics, in remarks that signal escalating tensions within Kenya’s fast-shifting political landscape.

Speaking on Saturday, June 27, 2026, during a public event in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen directly accused Gachagua of being behind violent political activities witnessed in recent weeks, declaring that the former deputy president had become a central figure in the country’s growing instability.

CS launches direct attack

“The reason Gachagua fears me is that I know him, and I know he’s the father of violence in our country,” Murkomen said.

The Interior CS claimed certain political leaders had increasingly resorted to dangerous tactics, including mobilising gangs and criminal elements, in what he described as a desperate attempt to gain political mileage and destabilise the country.

His remarks come days after failed opposition-linked mobilisation efforts witnessed during demonstrations held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, which government officials have linked to rising incidents of violence in parts of the country.

Government warns against violence

Murkomen warned that security agencies were closely monitoring individuals recruiting criminal gangs to advance political agendas, saying the government would not hesitate to act against those found culpable.

“Any person who is involved in recruiting gangs and criminals, we will deal with them decisively and in accordance with the law,” he warned.

The Cabinet Secretary further accused Gachagua of practising double-speak and misleading Kenyans for political gain, arguing that many citizens were beginning to see through what he termed years of deception.

Political tensions continue rising

“He has conned people for far too long, but I want to tell him, you can con some people some of the time, but you cannot con all the people all the time,” Murkomen added.

The latest remarks underscore growing political hostility as rival camps intensify confrontations ahead of the 2027 political realignments, with security concerns increasingly becoming part of the country’s broader political contest.

Fresh fallout after June 25 protests clash

The latest attack comes barely two days after Gachagua publicly clashed with Murkomen over security concerns surrounding the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests.

In a lengthy statement posted on X on Thursday, June 25, Gachagua accused Murkomen of incompetence after the CS warned that intelligence reports had revealed plans by some political actors to infiltrate the demonstrations using goons and criminal gangs.

The former deputy president questioned why authorities would publicly warn Kenyans about planned violence instead of stopping it, claiming police had been instructed to allow destruction before arresting innocent people and opposition leaders.

The public exchange has now exposed deepening hostility between the two leaders as competing narratives emerge over security, protests and the country’s intensifying political battles.