Murkomen: The govt does not handle goons
By Faith Lagat, June 22, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified that the government as an institution does not directly handle criminals or goons, stating that the responsibility lies solely with the National Police Service (NPS)
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, June 22, 2026, Murkomen said, “The government does not handle goons. The National Police Service handles goons.”
He explained that government comprises multiple arms, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, and various departments, while operational law enforcement functions are assigned to the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Murkomen noted that the role of the Interior Ministry is to provide policy direction, allocate resources, and support security agencies to effectively carry out their mandate. He emphasised that operational decisions such as arrests and investigations remain the responsibility of police officers and investigators.
The remarks come amid heightened political and security attention ahead of the planned June 25, 2026, commemoration marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have announced peaceful marches, vigils, and remembrance events, while the government has urged restraint and warned against any activities that could lead to disruption of public order or destruction of property. Security agencies have also indicated that they will facilitate lawful demonstrations while maintaining readiness to respond to any criminal activity during the period.
CS defends impartiality of NPS
Murkomen said the National Police Service (National Police Service) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) operate independently in executing their duties.
He expressed confidence in their professionalism, stating: “To the best of my knowledge, the National Police Service and the DCI have been very impartial in carrying out their job.”
The Interior CS further noted that the police are constitutionally mandated to investigate and arrest offenders, including criminal gangs, and that their operations are guided by law enforcement procedures rather than political influence.
Security operations and past interventions highlighted
Murkomen linked his remarks to ongoing security initiatives under the Jukwala Usalama forums, which he said have strengthened coordination between national and regional security teams.
He cited improvements in areas previously affected by criminal activity, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitale, and Nakuru. He said coordinated operations had led to arrests of gangs and restored stability in affected towns, enabling businesses to operate without disruption.
Murkomen said the Interior Ministry has also worked with county security teams to address emerging threats, including groups involved in violent crime and organised disruption.
He added that while the government supports the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 of the Constitution, security agencies will act against unlawful activities such as destruction of property, attacks on citizens, or interference with public order.
Murkomen reiterated that security agencies are prepared to maintain order while allowing lawful expression.