Murkomen Fires Warning Shot at Mandago as Uasin Gishu Succession Battle Intensifies

Cabinet Secretary for Interior Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a thinly veiled attack on Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, accusing him of using his political seniority to undermine fellow leaders instead of rallying support for President William Ruto.

Speaking amid escalating succession politics in Uasin Gishu, Murkomen appeared to defend Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim against sustained criticism from Mandago, saying experienced leaders should mentor and support those in office rather than publicly belittling them.

Without mentioning Mandago directly at first, Murkomen said senior politicians have a responsibility to unite the Kenya Kwanza leadership and protect the President's political interests as the 2027 succession debate gathers momentum.

He challenged leaders who have served in high office to focus their energy on defending President Ruto's development agenda instead of engaging in attacks against colleagues within the ruling coalition.

Murkomen's remarks come days after Senator Mandago intensified his criticism of Governor Bii's administration, accusing the county government of poor performance and questioning its priorities. The exchange has deepened political divisions in Uasin Gishu, where rival camps are already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

The latest political confrontation signals growing cracks within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in one of President Ruto's key political strongholds, with leaders increasingly trading barbs over the county's leadership and the region's future political direction. Political observers say the public exchanges reflect the high-stakes succession battle that is beginning to shape alliances in the North Rift.