Lawyer and governance commentator Willis Evans Otieno has challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to explain why armed groups operating alongside police officers have not been arrested, saying the apparent selective enforcement of the law is eroding public confidence in Kenya’s security agencies.

In a statement shared on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Otieno questioned why individuals seen in circulating videos and images carrying crude weapons or attacking civilians appeared to be operating without police intervention.

He noted that senior government officials have previously alleged that such groups are organised and financed by opposition politicians, arguing that if those claims were true, they should have led to arrests and prosecutions.

“Murkomen should explain to Kenyans why armed goons are openly operating alongside police officers without being arrested. You have repeatedly claimed these groups are organised and funded by the opposition. If that were true, why are they enjoying protection instead of prosecution?” Otieno posed.

Questions over law enforcement

Otieno said the images and videos circulating on social media had raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers during recent political incidents.

He argued that Kenyans deserve answers on the identity of the armed groups, who is facilitating their operations and why they appear to enjoy immunity from arrest despite being accused of engaging in criminal activities.

“The images and videos circulating have raised serious questions that demand answers. Kenyans deserve to know who these individuals are, who is facilitating their operations, and why the law appears to apply selectively,” he said.

Rule of law under scrutiny

The constitutional lawyer further warned that failure to take action against criminal gangs while responding forcefully to peaceful citizens risks weakening public trust in the justice system.

“A government that tolerates criminal gangs while turning its coercive power against peaceful citizens undermines public confidence in the rule of law,” he stated.

His remarks come amid growing public debate over the handling of political violence as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Otieno’s statement comes a day after renewed questions emerged over the police response to violence during the Linda Mwananchi engagements in Keumbu, Kisii County.

Debate follows Kisii violence

In an opinion published on Sunday, July 5, 2026, concerns were raised over why police have consistently used tear gas and other crowd-control measures to disperse demonstrations, including during the Gen Z protests, yet appeared not to take similar action against stone-throwing groups that attacked vehicles carrying opposition leaders in Kisii.

The debate intensified after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna claimed that some police officers were present during the attack on the opposition convoy and called for investigations by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.

While those claims remain unverified, the incident has reignited calls for impartial policing and equal application of the law, with critics arguing that all individuals engaging in violence should face the same legal consequences regardless of political affiliation.