Murkomen takes on Gachagua, vows face-to-face action
By Cy Muganda, February 18, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a sharp response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in ethnic profiling and petty politics, and warning that he will no longer remain silent.
Speaking in Naivasha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Murkomen said some political leaders had become obsessed with attacking him instead of articulating policy alternatives, particularly on matters of security.
“All political leaders in this country, what do you have about this? Why are you so obsessed with me? I see there is one of them who forgets about everything. It’s like there’s nobody else in this country except Murkomen,” he said.
Direct confrontation warning
Murkomen pushed back strongly against remarks made by Gachagua during a visit to the National Police Service Headquarters, saying they sought to reduce national security leadership to ethnic identity, warning that such politics would not be tolerated.
“On security, you are saying you know my tribe. We are not going to entertain that. If you want to sell your policies, sell your policies,” he said.
The Interior CS stressed that his role required him to serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of community, and dismissed what he described as divisive political attacks.
“Don’t profile me because of my community. I am a Kenyan serving the people of Kenya as the Cabinet Secretary for security, and I will serve every Kenyan equally. Don’t bring your petty, silly politics,” Murkomen said.
In a pointed warning, Murkomen said he had exercised restraint for a long time but would now confront those he accused of stirring tensions directly.
“So my friend, I have kept quiet for far too long. We will meet face to face,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks
This comes just two days after Gachagua publicly condemned Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja for what he termed irresponsibility.
Speaking to the press on Monday, February 16, 2026, the former Deputy President claimed that IG Kanja failed to appear for a scheduled meeting and only sent junior officers to meet them at the gate.
Gachagua condemned the Police boss for undermining their quest for justice over the attack that happened at the Witima church.
“We arrived there and he escaped through the back door. He’s afraid to meet us,” Gachagua said.
According to Gachagua, the refusal of IG Kanja to address the continued violent attacks is a deliberate strategy to shield the perpetrator.
“His continued refusal to act on the violent attack at ACK Witima Church, coupled with the escalating attacks across our nation, confirms a deliberate strategy to shield perpetrators and normalise impunity,” he said.
Additionally, he expressed that despite Kanja avoiding them, they will not give up and will continue until the issue is resolved.
“We will return to your office. You can run, but you will not hide, Mr Kanja Douglas,” Rigathi said.