Interior Cabinet Secretary
Kipchumba Murkomen Monday put on notice politicians sponsoring goons to disrupt
meetings and church services.
Murkomen
said the government has credible information that politicians are funding
‘goons’ ahead of the 2027 General Election and warned that they will name and
shame those behind the gangs and deal with them appropriately.
He was referring to the Sunday
incident where a group disrupted a church event attended by former Deputy President
Rigathi Gachagua.
At least one person was
injured and four cars damaged in the chaos at the event in Mwiki, Nairobi.
Murkomen said they are
pursuing the incident as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said they
are holding ten motorcycles involved in the fracas.
“We have credible intelligence
that politicians are sponsoring goons and gangs in the country. We are coming
for you,” he said.
Speaking in Mombasa County on
Monday, Murkomen declared war against armed organized criminal groupings in the
country accused of terrorizing residents.
“We
have gathered credible intelligence… we are closing in …This country must be
ruled by the law, Murkomen said. The
government distanced itself from any affiliation with organized criminal
groupings such as the outlawed Mungiki sect, as claimed by the opposition,” the
CS said.
“The
Government is not affiliated to any criminal groupings and will not allow any
goon involvement, be it in churches or political gatherings.”
He also denied
the government's involvement in Gachagua’s church scuffle on Sunday, as claimed
by the former Deputy President. Police
are investigating the incident.
According to local
authorities, over 100 motorcycles ferrying two to three pillion passengers
arrived at the church venue from Kangundo Road, right behind the former DP
entourage, who allegedly started causing commotion in the church, demanding
money from the politicians.
According
to the DCI, police at Mwiki Police Station heard gunshots at the church
grounds and were mobilised to repulse the goons, who retreated and normalcy
returned.
Several of them, alongside 10
abandoned motorcycles, were detained at the Mwiki station.
So far, it has been
established that the gunshots heard at the church were fired by the VIP
security personnel and civilian licensed firearm holders in their bid to
protect the leaders from the rowdy group, which was already causing damage to
parked cars and other church property, the DCI said in a statement.
Furthermore, the Mwiki police
command has stated that the church failed to notify the police of the planned
function, which included political leaders, and therefore, no advance security
measures were deployed to handle such an eventuality.
The ongoing investigations aim
to bring to book those responsible for the regrettable incident, which is one
among several that have been witnessed recently in various parts of the
country, the police said.
“The National Police Service
urges members of the public to refrain from such unruly conduct that undermines
peace and safety. Incidents involving violence and intimidation not only
tarnish the sanctity of community events but also pose a significant threat to the
well-being of all attendees,” the statement said.
“It is
crucial for individuals to express their concerns through proper channels
rather than resorting to disorderly behavior that could lead to grave
consequences. Let us work together to foster an environment of safety and security
during public gatherings.”
The incident has attracted
condemnation from various political divides.
Police are under pressure to
take action against those behind the attack.
It is the second time that Gachagua's events are being disrupted by goons.
