Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen criticised what he described as a culture of political intimidation and “goonism” in parts of Nyanza, directly referencing Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Speaking during a live television interview on Monday, June 22, 2026, Murkomen contrasted his leadership experience with what he said he has observed in political gatherings in Siaya.

He said that during his tenure as a senator in Marakwet County, he moved freely without armed protection and often engaged peacefully with political opponents.

“I was elected three times as a senator in Marakwet County. There was no single day that I needed a gun or guns to move around. In fact, we used to travel sometimes with your opponent in the same car,” Murkomen said.

He stated that leadership should be anchored on values and personal accountability, adding that the use of gangs or intimidation in political spaces reflects a failure of leadership principles.

“The first thing that will stop them is values and principles of leadership. As a leader, that is missing,” he said.

CS references Orengo’s public appearances

Murkomen directly mentioned Orengo, who has previously described himself as a “walking constitution,” claiming that the governor is often surrounded by groups that disrupt order during public engagements.

“I have been with him and I’m not saying this. See him with my own eyes. He is surrounded by goons left, right and centre,” Murkomen stated.

He said that in several political meetings, groups of young men are involved in pushing or controlling crowds, which he argued contributes to disorder at public events.

“Everybody is carrying some whatever they call it, whether it’s goons or bouncers… pushing people left, right and centre. And that’s where it starts,” he added.

Murkomen further called on security agencies to take action where such patterns are observed, stating that enforcement should not depend solely on formal complaints.

Remarks come amid escalating political tensions in Nyanza region

The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions involving Orengo and other leaders in the region following incidents reported during political tours.

On May 29, 2026, Orengo issued a statement citing that his convoy was attacked during a visit to Homa Bay County, including incidents at Mbita, Sindo, and Kodoyo Junction, where vehicles were damaged, and members of his team were injured.

He also claimed that police officers did not intervene during the attacks.

Orengo has, in time, also maintained that Siaya should not be associated with criminal gang activity, saying the county remains peaceful and that isolated incidents should not be used to define or stigmatise the wider community.

He argued that such narratives risk unfairly portraying Siaya as unsafe, despite residents largely engaging in lawful and productive livelihoods, and urged leaders to avoid statements that could divide communities or damage the region’s reputation.

Earlier, on May 19, 2026, Orengo protested the withdrawal of his official security detail in a letter to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, terming it unlawful and a threat to his safety.

Orengo has previously accused government officials of targeting opposition leaders, while Murkomen has maintained that political leaders must not rely on gangs for protection or mobilisation.

The exchange has intensified political debate over security, public order, and the conduct of political mobilisation ahead of future elections, with both sides maintaining opposing interpretations of recent incidents.