Natembeya Accuses Murkomen of Downplaying Goons Crisis
Natembeya warned that Kenya could slide into lawlessness if authorities continued to dismiss reports of goons being used to disrupt political gatherings.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for allegedly downplaying the growing problem of goons disrupting political meetings across the country.
Natembeya said it was surprising for Murkomen to deny that Kenya was facing a goons crisis when police officers had been killed and others injured during violence allegedly linked to goons at a recent political rally in Homa Bay County.
The governor said the remarks by the Interior CS showed that the government was not taking the security situation seriously, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
“We have our officers killed by goons armed with crude weapons, yet those in charge of security are in denial, meaning we are exposed and on our own,” Natembeya said.
He made the remarks in Kitale, where he accused the government of playing politics with insecurity instead of taking firm action against those involved in violence.
Natembeya warned that Kenya could slide into lawlessness if authorities continued to dismiss reports of goons being used to disrupt political gatherings.
Murkomen Rejects Goons Claims
Natembeya’s remarks followed comments by Murkomen in Uasin Gishu on Friday, where the Interior CS rejected claims that Kenya was facing a goons crisis.
Murkomen said Kenya remained a safe country and accused politicians of misleading the public by claiming that goons were causing insecurity.
“Kenya is a very safe country, and those claiming we have a goons crisis are liars. What we have is a situation where a few politicians have no agenda and want to misuse our youth,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS also advised Kenyans to avoid areas where security warnings had been issued because of the presence of goons.
However, Natembeya dismissed Murkomen’s explanation, accusing him of being incapable of effectively handling the country’s security docket.
The governor said the government could not continue to ignore incidents of political violence while security officers and members of the public were being injured or killed.
Natembeya Raises 2027 Election Concerns
Natembeya said security must become a priority as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
He said Kenyans should be able to attend political meetings, express their views and support leaders of their choice without fear of being attacked or intimidated.
“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the country is safe and that people are able to freely exercise their rights and freedoms,” he said.
The governor also claimed that some of the violence had targeted opposition leaders and their supporters. He said such incidents would not force the opposition to abandon its push for political and social change.
Natembeya warned that Kenya risked losing some of the democratic gains made over the years if political violence and intimidation were allowed to take root.
He said the opposition would resist any attempt to return the country to a period when citizens were afraid to participate in political activities.
“As the opposition, we will not allow the Kenya Kwanza regime to return the country to the dark days. We will fight at all costs to ensure we have a just society,” Natembeya said.
Call for Accountability
Natembeya called on the government to investigate incidents of political violence and hold those responsible to account.
He said the use of young people to disrupt political meetings could create fear among Kenyans and undermine the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor also criticised leaders whom he accused of misusing public resources and warned that those involved in looting the economy would eventually be held accountable.
The exchange between Natembeya and Murkomen comes as political parties step up grassroots mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Security at political gatherings is expected to remain a major issue in the coming months, with opposition leaders pressing the government to guarantee the safety of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
The debate over alleged goons at political meetings has also renewed calls for security agencies to act impartially and protect the constitutional rights of Kenyans as the country moves closer to the next election.
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