Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has blamed some political leaders for rising insecurity, saying they are the main drivers of organised violence through the recruitment of young people.

Speaking on Sunday, April 19, 2026, during a Sunday service at Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen, Nairobi, which President Ruto also attended, Murkomen said the biggest threat to national security does not come from ordinary citizens but from leaders operating from positions of influence.

“In the security sector, equipment modernisation, seeing the recruits to be out in four months. You’ve done a lot in terms of investing in this sector. There’s only one challenge that we still face, Your Excellency,” he said.

Murkomen said insecurity is being driven by leaders who he accused of organising violence while working from formal offices.

“The greatest threat to our national security is not from the slums of this republic, not from the young people. It’s from leaders, Your Excellency, who consciously, they wear ties, they are in air-conditioned offices, they are called Mweshimiwa or potential Mweshimiwa, but Your Excellency, plan every day how to recruit goons and gangs to terrorize the people of Kenya,” he said.

He added that such leaders lacked ideas and instead used violence to pursue political interests.

“And many of these leaders are doing so because of bankrupt ideas. Instead of turning young people, empowering them, supporting them to get resources to grow their lives, giving them positive vibes, they always concentrate on negative energy,” he said.

Murkomen said the government had taken a firm position against the use of young people in violence.

“Under your direction, Your Excellency, we have made a decision, and a very firm decision, that we are not going to condone the use of young people as goons to fight others and cause chaos in the nation,” he said.

Crackdown on goons

Murkomen said security operations targeting suspected gangs and organisers of violence would continue in different parts of the country.

“As such, there has been, and we will continue having the crackdown in this city. Last week, we arrested over 100 goons that are being used to terrorise the citizens,” Murkomen said.

He added that similar operations had taken place in other regions.

“Last week also in Kitale, which had become a very dangerous town, we arrested over 200 goons. That crackdown will continue, and the security forces are properly instructed to ensure that this nation becomes safe,” he said.

Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government would provide security during the election period and urged citizens to prepare.

“And as we prepare for the next election, I want to assure the people of Kenya to be ready, register yourself, get your ID, get your voters card. It will be a safe election because we will provide the necessary security that will protect the people of Kenya,” he said.

Rising political tensions

His remarks come at a time when political leaders have raised concerns about claimed links between security officers and criminal gangs.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently accused some police officers of working with goons during political activities. He questioned the leadership of Inspector General Douglas Kanja and claimed that violence had been used against civilians and leaders.

“Are you really in charge of the National Police Service?” Gachagua asked in a statement shared on social media.

He also claimed that armed groups had disrupted church services and political gatherings, claims the police leadership has not publicly addressed in detail.

At the same time, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said he survived two separate violent incidents, including an attack he linked to goons in Kisumu. He said the experiences left him shaken but alive.

“I thank God for saving my life on two different occasions when I saw death before me, and it was a miracle. I am back and stronger than ever before,” Osotsi said.

The rising political claims and counterclaims have placed renewed attention on the role of security agencies as Kenya prepares for the next election cycle.

Murkomen maintained that the government will continue with operations aimed at restoring order and preventing political violence across the country.