Murkomen warns of tough action against political violence and hired goons
By Bancy Lole, January 28, 2026The government has issued a firm warning to politicians flirting with violence and intimidation, declaring that Kenya will not be dragged back to an era of fear, chaos, and bloodshed for political gain.
Speaking at Kiawakara in Kirinyaga Central, Kirinyaga County, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the State will come down hard on individuals who plan, sponsor, or execute political violence, insisting that the country’s politics must be anchored on peace, unity, and development.
Murkomen stated that the government will not tolerate what he described as “politics of war.”
“We will not allow Kenya to be dragged into politics of violence, intimidation, and chaos. Our politics must be peaceful, issue-based, and founded on love, unity, and development for all Kenyan,” he said.
The Interior CS condemned a recent incident at a church in Nyeri County, describing it as an unacceptable attempt to turn places of worship into arenas for political confrontation.
“Churches and places of worship must never be used as platforms for political confrontation. They are sanctuaries of peace and worship, and such incidents will not be allowed to happen again anywhere in this country,” he said.
Murkomen revealed that he had issued firm instructions to regional commissioners and security teams to move swiftly against anyone linked to political violence.
“Anyone planning, financing, or executing violence will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
“No one will be protected because of their political affiliation or status.”
He directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute suspects without delay, stressing that the rule of law applies equally to all.
“There will be no sacred cows. If you mobilise goons or criminal gangs to intimidate others, you will be dealt with decisively,” Murkomen said.
At the same time, the Interior CS assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to guaranteeing equal political space for all players, provided activities are conducted peacefully and within the law.
“We will protect everyone’s right to assemble and express themselves lawfully,” he said.
“But we will not allow violence, threats, or intimidation disguised as politics.”
Murkomen urged leaders to shift focus from confrontation to development and vision, saying Kenyans deserve leadership that unites rather than divides.
“Kenya’s politics must change. Leaders who rely on violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society,” he said.
Nominated MCA Milker Thoithi accused the opposition of deploying goons to instil fear, create insecurity and disrupt public order, warning that such actions threaten democratic processes.
“The use of goons threatens peace and undermines democratic processes. Politics should never be about terrorising citizens,” Thoithi said.
Majority Leader Benson Ngahu echoed the government’s position, saying the administration has delivered tangible development and deserves continued support.
“We will continue supporting the government because we can see real development on the ground. We will back all programs aimed at improving the lives of our people,” Ngahu said.