“KENYA IS SAFER” — MURKOMEN DISMISSES SECURITY FEARS LINKED TO GOONS.

Speaking in recent public addresses, Murkomen rejected suggestions that the country is facing a security emergency linked to criminal gangs and hired goons disrupting political activities.  

“Those trying to say this country is in a crisis because of goons are liars,” he said. “The crisis in the country is a bankruptcy of ideas of politicians unable to campaign, and they go and ‘sanya’ goons to fight themselves and make it a national crisis. There is no national crisis. Kenya is safe.”

The CS’s remarks come amid heightened concerns following recent incidents of political violence, including chaos that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay County, where clashes left people injured and property damaged. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have accused the government of failing to curb the rise of organised groups used to intimidate rivals and disrupt meetings ahead of the 2027 General Election.



Murkomen maintained that such incidents do not amount to a systemic crisis. He argued that some politicians were deliberately amplifying isolated cases to create alarm and score political points. “Stop hyping it. Stop creating a crisis that is not there. It’s a figment of your imagination. Kenya is safe and will continue being safe,” he stated in one of his responses.

Murkomen maintained that such incidents do not amount to a systemic crisis. He argued that some politicians were deliberately amplifying isolated cases to create alarm and score political points. 

Addressing the Homa Bay incident specifically, the Interior CS questioned why leaders proceeded with meetings despite security warnings. “Wewe ukijua kuna goon Homa Bay, na polisi washawaambia kwamba kuna mtu amepanga goons, why are you going there? Why don’t you go home and organise another meeting? Why are you forcing yourself?” he asked. 



The Interior CS directed security agencies, particularly the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to take preventive action against suspected goons and their facilitators before they reach political rallies. “The DCI should not wait until goons are in a particular rally. They must be able to take preventive measures and arrest them,” Murkomen ordered.  

He also advised Kenyans to avoid rallies organised by leaders he accused of sponsoring or moving with goons, saying attendance was not compulsory and could expose citizens to unnecessary risk.

Police leadership has backed the government’s position. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat denied any collusion between officers and criminal gangs, stating that no evidence had been presented linking the National Police Service to the disruption of opposition meetings.

Murkomen further claimed that security agencies had intercepted some groups allegedly mobilised from Nairobi towards Homa Bay and that early interventions had prevented a worse outcome. He rejected calls for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over the incidents, arguing that police should not be blamed for the actions of politicians who ignore security advisories.

While acknowledging that political actors across the divide have historically used hired groups, Murkomen insisted the overall security situation in the country has improved, with reductions in banditry, terrorism and other major crimes. The government, he said, remains committed to dealing firmly with anyone involved in violence, regardless of political affiliation.

As political temperatures rise towards 2027, the Interior Ministry’s firm denial of a goons crisis sets the stage for continued debate over the management of public order and the role of political actors in fuelling or curbing violence.