Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has demanded the immediate sacking of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of failing to address the growing insecurity in the country.

Addressing the media on Monday, June 9, 2025, Cherargei decried the rising cases of lawlessness and criminal activities across the country.

He claimed that despite being tasked with restoring order, Murkomen had neglected his duties and was instead preoccupied with social media engagements and constant travel.

The senator questioned why the country continues to experience a surge in crime while the person responsible for internal security is out of the country in Swaziland.

According to Cherargei, Murkomen has not demonstrated seriousness in handling the security docket, even with the resources and budget allocated to his ministry.

He further suggested that former Interior CS Kithure Kindiki be reinstated to the post.

In a bold proposal, Cherargei said Kindiki should be allowed to serve both as Deputy President and Interior CS, insisting he has the capability to manage both offices, unlike Murkomen, whom he accused of absentee leadership.

“In fact the crime rate continues to go up and up. I think there is a possibility that Professor Kindiki can become the Minister of Interior and also become the Deputy President because the minister in charge is busy travelling across the country and is now in Swaziland when the security of the country is deteriorating,” Cherargei said.

He concluded by calling on relevant security agencies and officials to take responsibility, warning that those who fail in their duties should prepare to exit office.

Their feud

This is not the first time they have been at risk. The feud between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Nandi Senator Samson 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.

The May 2025 killing of a Catholic priest in Kerio Valley led Cherargei and MP Gathoni Wamuchomba to demand Murkomen’s resignation, accusing him of downplaying the severity of banditry.