Murkomen hits back at Kalonzo, says Jubaland remarks amount to reckless politics
By Cy Muganda, September 5, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed remarks by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that Jubaland forces have crossed into Kenya and are terrorising residents of Mandera County, terming the statements as reckless and politically motivated.
Speaking in Kakamega during the 36th Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement tour on Friday, September 5, 2025, Murkomen accused Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i of using national security issues for political gain.
“We are talking to the enemies of al-Shabaab. So they need to tell us, are they with al-Shabaab or are they with the citizens of Kenya? This cheap politics that is being done using security must stop,” Murkomen said.
Security concerns
The CS singled out the former government officials, warning them against dragging matters of national safety into political contests.
Murkomen argued that the leaders, who previously served in the national security team, should know better than to make such comments.
“They must conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates that they understand, even though they have personal challenges with leadership, they must also not struggle with the question of security,” Murkomen emphasised.
He further questioned their intentions, asking whether they aligned with terrorist groups or supported the Kenyan citizens.
“We are talking to the enemies of al-Shabaab. So they need to tell us whether they are with al-Shabaab or are they with the citizens of Kenya,” he said.
Murkomen’s assurance
In his remarks, Murkomen assured citizens that the country remains secure and that the government is equipped to handle any security challenges.
“For our citizens in Mandera, everything is in order. We will deal with any challenges of any person who is spotted in our country, civilian or otherwise, that have visited our nation. You know that we are going to deal with those issues,” he said.
The CS emphasised that the government has consistently addressed security threats and maintains its capacity to protect the nation.
“We have always dealt with, but at the moment our country is safe,” Murkomen added.
Kalonzo’s remarks
The CS’s remarks came a day after Kalonzo accused the government of failing to protect Kenya’s sovereignty in Mandera County.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, September 4, 2025, the former Vice President stated that Jubaland forces from Somalia had crossed into Kenyan territory and were terrorising citizens.
“Mandera County is under siege. Jubaland forces from Somalia have crossed into Kenyan territory and are terrorising our people, yet the CS for Interior continues to deny their presence,” Kalonzo stated.
The Wiper leader also criticised Ruto’s response to the incursion, describing him as “too weak to defend the sovereignty of our nation.”
“A government that cannot protect its borders or its citizens has no moral right to call itself a government of the people,” Kalonzo noted.