Lobby to Opposition: Stop politicising Murkomen's docket

A lobby representing a section of Mt Kenya political leaders has called on opposition leaders to stop politicising national security matters.

The group warned that sustained attacks on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen could undermine peace and stability in the country.

The Mt. Kenya Political Leaders for Change said political differences should not be allowed to interfere with the operations of the Ministry of Interior or be used to incite residents against the government.

Speaking during a press conference in Nyeri, Ruben Chege- an official of the lobby, accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his political allies of conducting what she termed a sustained and orchestrated smear campaign against Murkomen.

Chege said the attacks were not motivated by concerns over the performance of the Interior Ministry but were instead part of a broader political strategy aimed at weakening President William Ruto's administration.

"We, the Mt. Kenya Political Leaders for Change, have noted with deep concern the sustained and orchestrated smear campaign spearheaded by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his political allies targeting the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen," Chege said.

He argued that national security should remain above partisan politics, warning that the country's stability and economic prosperity depend on a secure environment.

"National security is the backbone of our country's stability and economic prosperity. It should never be used as a political football or a tool for settling narrow, selfish political scores," he said.

The lobby demanded an immediate end to what it described as the politicisation of national security, insisting that the safety of Kenyans must remain free from political manipulation.

The leaders also challenged Gachagua's political faction to resolve its internal political disputes without involving the office of the Interior Cabinet Secretary.

The group further accused the opposition of promoting what it called a toxic narrative aimed at turning residents of the Mt Kenya region against Murkomen and the national government.

It called for an immediate stop to what it described as attempts to incite residents and deepen political divisions in the region.

Speaking at the same event, Elizabeth Waweru accused unnamed political actors of engaging in what he termed "subversive sabotage", warning that such actions could interfere with public service delivery and threaten peace in Mt Kenya and the country.

"They must immediately halt all underhanded tactics meant to sabotage public service delivery and disrupt the peace within the region and the nation at large," Waweru said.

The lobby maintained that the Mt Kenya region was committed to peace, unity and development, rejecting what it described as leadership founded on division and political blackmail.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for President Ruto and his Cabinet, saying they would continue backing the government in its efforts to promote security, stability and economic development across the country.