CS Murkomen says he’s “Used to the Song” as Senators demand resignation
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Murkomen defended his record and insisted that his stance on police brutality and abductions remains firm.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed calls for his resignation over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody, saying such demands have become routine.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Murkomen defended his record and insisted that his stance on police brutality and abductions remains firm.
"Some people speak as if I am six months old in this office. Even when I was two months in the office, they said I should resign. It is a song I have heard," he said.
"I know of a particular senator who never even waited for two months. His national song is ‘Murkomen Must Resign.’ Mr. Speaker, I am used to that song."
The CS reaffirmed that despite the challenges facing the police service, there are already systems in place to deal with abuses.
"As a CS, I know there are challenges in the National Police Service. There is enough precedent to deal with police brutality and extrajudicial killings," he said.
Murkomen expressed confidence in the investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, which has already dismissed claims that Ojwang committed suicide and pointed to tampering with CCTV systems.
"I have no doubt that the speed of IPOA, the perpetrators of this act will be brought to book," he said.
His remarks followed sharp criticism from Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who had earlier called for his resignation.
"CS Murkomen, the National Security Council where you sit is charged with promoting and guaranteeing the security of the country, and you have the audacity to come and face the Parliament of Kenya and tell Kenyans that you don’t see and you don’t know," Khalwale said.
"Please, for the respect of this young man, you are yet to grow a child up to the age of 31. Can you immediately resign? You are not fit to be in that docket. It is not personal. You cannot be an inspiration to be in the Cabinet."
The Senate session came amid rising public outrage and pressure from lawmakers and human rights defenders, who are demanding accountability from top security officials following Ojwang’s controversial death.
