A fresh political standoff has emerged between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following sharp accusations that risk deepening divisions within the country’s political landscape.
Murkomen, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 6, warned that recent public remarks by Gachagua could inflame tensions and undermine national unity.
Without holding back, the CS framed the former deputy president’s messaging as part of a broader political strategy rather than isolated criticism.
According to Murkomen, the statements—delivered during a series of public engagements—carry elements of ethnic mobilisation and personal attacks, which he said could erode cohesion if left unchecked.
He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, cautioning against rhetoric that may polarise communities.
The Interior CS also suggested that the unfolding political exchanges are not spontaneous, but coordinated.
He alleged that a network of political actors, including leaders from the Rift Valley, had been drawn into amplifying claims against him in recent days.
“These developments are not coincidental,” Murkomen said, linking the accusations raised in Parliament and public forums to what he described as a calculated political push.
At the centre of the dispute is a widening disagreement over security and governance, with Gachagua reportedly criticising the handling of key issues under Murkomen’s docket.
However, the CS dismissed the criticism as a diversion, maintaining that it is intended to shift focus from other undisclosed activities.
Murkomen further took issue with what he described as attempts to build regional political dominance, arguing that such narratives have no constitutional grounding and risk misleading the public.
Despite the intensifying rhetoric, the CS maintained that his focus remains on service delivery and national security. He reiterated his commitment to executing his mandate, even as political pressure mounts.
“I remain steadfast in discharging my duties,” he said.