Murkomen: Gachagua’s post-election violence remarks disqualify him from running for office
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has lashed out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over recent remarks that appeared to suggest the 2027 general election could descend into violence, warning that such utterances are enough to disqualify him from seeking public office.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on May 17, 2025, Murkomen expressed outrage over what he termed as reckless incitement, referencing Gachagua’s suggestion that the next election could be more violent than the 2007-2008 post-election crisis.
“I am disappointed that a leader who once held a senior office in this country is telling Kenyans that the 2027 elections will be more violent than 2007-2008. That kind of statement alone is enough to bar that person from holding any public office—forget impeachment and the rest,” Murkomen said.
Security assurances
Murkomen offered firm assurances that the current administration would not tolerate any form of incitement to violence.
“I want to assure the people of Trans Nzoia—I know here we have all tribes, all religions, all nationalities. We will not allow our country to ever return to any form of violence. Never again. That is impossible. Not when Kipchumba is the Minister of Security. Not when William Ruto is the President of Kenya,” he affirmed.
Murkomen characterised the 2007-2008 post-election violence as a painful lesson for Kenya, saying the country had closed “that chapter of violence” in favour of peaceful political competition based on programs and manifestos.
“2007 and 2008 was a lesson for this country so that we could close that chapter of violence. Moving forward, it will be about competition of ideas, about policies, about manifestos,” he stated.
Stern warning
The CS called on security agencies to take immediate action against anyone found planning or inciting violence, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Any person who attempts—together with the County Commissioner and the county security team—anyone holding any meeting, even if it’s at night, with the intention of causing violence, do not spare them,” he rallied.
“Whether they are in government or in the opposition, do not spare them. All must be arrested and taken to court. We will not entertain this,” he added.
Personal crisis vs National crisis
Calling for an end to the politicisation of personal frustrations, Murkomen criticised politicians who conflate their personal political setbacks with national crises, urging them to prioritise peace and national unity.
“Some people think that their personal political crisis is a national crisis and that people must die for them to occupy office,” he stated.
“If you are a politician and you’ve been defeated, you’ve lost your seat—do not make it a national crisis. That is your personal crisis. Don’t burn the whole country because of your personal political problems,” he added.
Noting the trauma caused by the 2007-2008 post-election violence, Murkomen reminded the audience that many Kenyans who lost loved ones in those events have never fully recovered.
“Many people lost their loved ones in 2007/2008. Some have never recovered. And now someone is promising even more intense violence,” he stated.
