Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of gross incompetence and claiming he is sabotaging President William Ruto’s administration.

While addressing the Senate on Tuesday, June 10, Cherargei cited the unexplained death of Albert Ojwang in a police cell as a clear indication of leadership failure within the Interior Ministry.

The senator expressed his concern over rising criminal activities across the country, pointing out recent incidents in places like Ongata Barikoi, which he said reflect the ministry’s inability to maintain law and order.

Cherargei further stated that there are ongoing attempts to sabotage the Kenya Kwanza government from within, claiming that CS Murkomen is at the centre of this plot.

He accused the Interior CS of failing to take responsibility for the deteriorating state of national security and insisted that Murkomen should step down to pave the way for more effective leadership.

“I want to agree with my colleagues that there are plans to sabotage President Ruto’s government, and it is led by the interior ministry, who should resign, Mr. Speaker, and take personal, political responsibility on this matter,” Cherargei said.

The senator did not mince his words, stating that Murkomen had merely shifted his incompetence from the Roads Ministry to the Interior docket.

According to Cherargei, the consequences of that incompetence are now being felt through increased insecurity and the loss of innocent lives.

On the death of Albert Ojwang, Cherargei expressed deep frustration, questioning how such a tragedy could occur in a police facility.

He noted that even during the repressive era of President Moi’s regime, police cells were not death traps.

“Even during the era of detention without trial, nobody ever died in a police cell. Being a professional guest of the state, I have had the opportunity to spend nights in over 5 police stations in Nairobi. It is very unfortunate that the only place to feel safe is a police station,” Cherargei added

He said it was alarming that people were now dying in custody under unclear circumstances and demanded accountability from the authorities.

Feud

This is not the first time he has called for Murkomen’s resignation.

The feud between Murkomen and Cherargei began escalating in 2023 when Cherargei criticised Murkomen, then Transport Cabinet Secretary, for mismanaging infrastructure such as JKIA and sidelining local contractors.

At a funeral in Nandi County, Murkomen accused Cherargei of tribalism, intensifying their public spat.

As Interior Minister, it has continued to escalate; Murkomen has faced renewed attacks from Cherargei over rising insecurity, including banditry in the Kerio Valley and terrorist attacks.