Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has firmly opposed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's suggestion that civilians should provide security at political rallies, businesses, and polling stations.
Speaking at a thanksgiving event in Embu County, Murkomen emphasized that the responsibility for security lies exclusively with the National Police Service, as mandated by the constitution. He cautioned politicians against recruiting young people to act as security personnel during political gatherings, warning that the government will not tolerate the presence of "goons" or armed civilians anywhere in the country.
Key points from Murkomen’s statement include:
- Security duties must remain with trained police officers, not ordinary citizens.
- No Kenyan should carry clubs, crude weapons, or any form of arms under the guise of protecting political leaders, businesses, or polling stations.
- Political meetings should be peaceful forums for dialogue, free of violence and intimidation.
- The government will prosecute anyone recruiting youth for violent activities as well as those who accept such recruitment.
- All regions of Kenya deserve equal security protection regardless of political affiliation.
Murkomen praised the National Police Service and Inspector General Douglas Kanja for successfully maintaining order during recent political events, noting that meetings have proceeded without disruptions from violent elements.
This response comes shortly after Gachagua unveiled the Democracy for the Citizens Party’s plan to mobilize volunteers to guard polling stations and safeguard votes ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua proposed deploying hundreds of young volunteers to protect polling centers and remain until vote counting is complete.
Murkomen reiterated that election security is a state function and assured Kenyans of equal protection nationwide, urging for peaceful political engagement without the involvement of armed civilians.
