Gachagua’s poll violence remarks disqualify him from public office, say CS Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent statements implying that the 2027 general election might be marred by violence.

Murkomen warned that such remarks are serious enough to disqualify Gachagua from running for any public office.

While speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on May 17, 2025, Murkomen expressed his deep concern over what he described as irresponsible incitement.

He specifically pointed to Gachagua’s claim that the upcoming election could witness greater violence than the crisis that followed the 2007-2008 polls.

"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.

Murkomen gave strong assurances that the current government will not tolerate any acts of incitement to violence.

"I want to reassure the people of Trans Nzoia—where we have a rich mix of tribes, religions, and nationalities—that our country will never be allowed to descend into violence again. Never. That will not happen, especially with Kipchumba serving as Minister of Security and William Ruto as the President of Kenya," he declared.

Murkomen described the 2007-2008 post-election violence as a painful but important lesson for Kenya, emphasizing that the nation has since closed that chapter of conflict.

He affirmed that going forward, political competition should focus on ideas, policies, and manifestos rather than violence.

The Cabinet Secretary urged security agencies to act swiftly against anyone found organizing or encouraging violence, no matter their political ties.

He emphasized, "Anyone who, alongside the County Commissioner and the county security team, holds meetings—day or night—with the aim of inciting violence must be dealt with firmly."

"Whether they belong to the government or the opposition, they must not be spared. All offenders should be arrested and prosecuted. We will not tolerate such behavior," he stated.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has called for an end to the trend of turning personal political frustrations into national crises.

He criticised leaders who, after facing electoral defeat, attempt to incite unrest under the guise of national concern.

"Some politicians wrongly assume that their personal setbacks are matters of national urgency," Murkomen said.

"Just because you've lost an election doesn't mean the whole country should suffer. That’s a personal issue—not a national emergency."

He urged politicians to act responsibly and promote peace, warning against using public platforms to stoke violence for selfish gain.

Recalling the painful aftermath of the 2007-2008 post-election violence, Murkomen reminded the public that many families are still reeling from that dark chapter.

"Thousands lost loved ones during the 2007/2008 chaos—many are still grieving. Yet here we are, with someone openly threatening even worse violence," he said.

Murkomen stressed that no political ambition is worth plunging the country back into chaos.