Murkomen Assures Kenyans of Election Security, Warns Against Political Incitement

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that the government will provide security before, during, and after next year's General Election, while cautioning politicians against incitement and violence.

Speaking in Nyeri, Murkomen said security agencies were preparing to ensure that both campaigns and the elections themselves proceed peacefully, warning political actors against profiling opponents or mobilising supporters to target their rivals.

"As the Minister in charge of security, I will ensure that next year's election is free, fair, and secure," he said.

The CS warned that the government would act against anyone inciting violence or threatening political opponents. "There's someone calling others traitors and saying that he will make sure he looks for agents of the President's party and harm them. We won't let that happen," he said.

He also cautioned individuals allegedly using proceeds from illicit alcohol and drugs to finance political violence, saying such activity was being monitored. "Those financing bad politics of hatred and goonism through proceeds of illicit alcohol and drugs are on our radar, and it will take the shortest time possible to apprehend them," Murkomen said, adding that the government had strengthened the Anti-Narcotics Unit and stepped up operations against illicit alcohol manufacturers and suppliers.

His remarks come days after he told the Senate that 1,189 people had been sentenced for offences linked to political violence and goonism since 2022 — a figure he said reflects ongoing action by security agencies and the courts against political violence. He has also recently warned politicians against using young people to incite violence ahead of the 2027 polls, saying security agencies would act against anyone mobilising youth for that purpose.

Murkomen made the remarks while presiding over the launch of the Kieni West Onion Farmers Cooperative at St George's, Gatagwaga-Kiawara grounds in Nyeri County. He said the government would continue supporting farmers through targeted agricultural interventions, alongside sustained action against coffee and livestock theft, framing improved security as essential to protecting livelihoods and economic activity.

He was joined by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, and Nominated MP Sabina Chege, among other leaders, all of whom called for political tolerance ahead of the elections.