amidst a surge in violent incidents across the country. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is facing increasing criticism over his handling of national security, with concerns mounting amidst a surge in violent incidents across the country.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has publicly questioned Murkomen's competence, citing rising insecurity, including banditry, terrorist threats, and violent attacks. Senator Cherargei's critique, expressed via social media, compares Murkomen's performance as Interior CS to his previous role as Transport CS, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of security failures, specifically the loss of life. Cherargei also points to the recent intervention of Head of Public Service Felix Koskei in the North Rift region as an indication of a lack of confidence in Murkomen's handling of the security situation.
He contrasts Murkomen's tenure with that of his predecessor Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, suggesting that Kindiki had achieved greater success in containing insecurity. Murkomen assumed the Interior CS position in December 2024, vowing to build on Kindiki's work and prioritize national security. However, his time in office has coincided with a notable increase in violent incidents. The North Rift region has been particularly affected, with numerous lives lost in ongoing bandit attacks.
The government has deployed significant security forces, including police and military personnel, to combat the banditry plaguing affected counties. Despite these efforts, insecurity persists in the region. Further compounding the challenges, a recent terrorist attack on a police camp in Garissa has prompted travel advisories from the United States, warning citizens of heightened risk in the area.
The targeting of administrative officers and the disappearance of several officials have added to regional instability. Allegations of political interference and collusion involving security officers have also surfaced. Critics have accused Murkomen of prioritizing political rivalries over addressing the urgent security crisis. These accusations raise questions about Murkomen's leadership and his ability to effectively address the complex challenges facing the nation's security apparatus.