Murkomen: 20 Arrested as Crackdown on Political Violence Intensifies

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced an intensified nationwide security operation targeting political violence, goonism, and their financiers following violent incidents in Kisumu and Nyahururu.

Speaking during the burial of prison officer David Kipchirchir Kibiwott in Lokori, Turkana County, Murkomen said the government remains firmly committed to protecting Kenyans from criminal gangs, political violence, ethnic incitement, and other threats to national security.

The Cabinet Secretary revealed that the National Police Service has arrested 20 suspects in connection with the violence witnessed on Monday in Kisumu and Nyahururu, adding that detectives are pursuing additional perpetrators, including those suspected of financing and organizing the attacks.

"We are firmly committed to safeguarding our nation and protecting every Kenyan from goonism, political violence, ethnic mobilisation and incitement, just as we have dealt with banditry, terrorism, organised criminal gangs and other security threats," Murkomen said.

He noted that the government is determined to dismantle criminal networks responsible for orchestrating violence and warned that no individual, regardless of their political affiliation or status, would be shielded from prosecution.

Murkomen also appealed to the Judiciary to support the government's efforts by ensuring those arrested face the full force of the law.

"As we arraign these individuals, we call on the Judiciary to be a partner in this fight by ensuring that criminal elements are held accountable and face the harshest legal consequences for their actions," he said.

The Interior CS disclosed that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has received a policy directive to roll out intensified intelligence-led operations across the country aimed at identifying, arresting, and prosecuting goons and their financiers.

The operations, he said, will focus on dismantling organized criminal networks that have increasingly been linked to politically instigated violence.

Murkomen further assured residents of Ol Kalou that adequate security measures have been put in place ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary by-election, saying security agencies are working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process.

"I assure the people of Ol Kalou of maximum security ahead of and during the forthcoming by-election. We have put in place adequate security measures to facilitate the IEBC in delivering its mandate," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also urged political leaders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could inflame tensions.

"I urge all political leaders to desist from mobilising, financing, or shielding criminal goons and to shun making inciteful and divisive utterances that undermine public order, peace, and security," he said.

Murkomen made the remarks while attending the burial of the late David Kipchirchir Kibiwott, a prison warden whom he described as a dedicated public servant and family friend. He was accompanied by Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng'ikor Nixon, Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen, County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Members of the County Assembly, and other leaders.

The renewed security directive comes as the government steps up efforts to curb political violence and maintain law and order ahead of key electoral activities and the 2027 General Election.