Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a strong attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying he is not qualified to comment on matters of national security, public order, and safety.

Speaking during a television interview on June 22, 2026, Murkomen said Gachagua should not be involved in national security discussions, accusing him of making divisive statements.

“The last person to speak about national security, order, and safety of this country is Gachagua. He is an agent of inflammatory statements, an agent of division,” Murkomen said.

He added that the former deputy president “may not have been arrested, but he was impeached,” and argued that this process reflects accountability in public office.

Security, accountability and political responsibility

Murkomen said questions around accountability should be applied consistently regardless of political affiliation, noting that some cases fail to proceed depending on changing political circumstances.

“This is a matter of security, leave alone the impeachment part,” he said, adding that whether individuals are summoned or investigated should not depend on their position or alignment in government.

He also said complainants sometimes withdraw cases after political changes, affecting the progress of investigations.

Murkomen further argued that national leaders must address issues across the country rather than focusing on regional interests. “When you are a deputy president… I can’t come here and talk about drugs in Elgeyo Marakwet, drugs in Eldoret, drugs in Rift Valley,” he said.

He stated that issues such as drug and substance abuse require a national approach rather than a regional focus.

Combating drug abuse and trafficking

Murkomen also defended the government’s record in combating drug trafficking, citing long-term operations in Mombasa that he said reduced its role as a trafficking hub.

He referenced past efforts under previous administrations, including joint operations that targeted drug shipments along the coast.

“You had a scheme that was called a rehabilitation scheme. That was absolutely… you cannot show one rehabilitation centre engaged in or supported, except you see money being expended, but you don’t see the people being rehabilitated,” he said.

Murkomen also criticised Gachagua’s approach to alcohol licensing, accusing him of corruption and abuse of office. “For you to get licensed, you have to see me,” he claimed, while describing Gachagua’s leadership style as ineffective and lacking policy direction.

Legal background and impeachment ruling

The remarks come weeks after the High Court upheld Gachagua’s impeachment. On June 8, 2026, a three-judge bench ruled that Parliament followed due process in removing him from office.

The court found that public participation requirements were met and declined to overturn the Senate’s decision. However, it noted that Gachagua’s rights were violated when the Senate declined an adjournment after he reportedly fell ill during proceedings.

The court ruled that the constitutional provisions under Article 145(7) made the impeachment final despite the procedural concern.

Murkomen’s comments add to ongoing political tensions surrounding the former deputy president, whose impeachment and subsequent court ruling have remained central to national debate.