Interior and National Administration cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a warning against political violence and the use of youth in criminal activities, calling for accountability across the political divide.
Speaking during the Cherangany Unity Cup finals held at Kesogon in Sinyerere Ward, Trans-Nzoia County, Murkomen emphasized that the government will not tolerate acts of violence, regardless of political affiliation.
“Political violence and thuggery have no place in our society. We strongly condemn these crimes and will deal decisively with the perpetrators, irrespective of their political affiliation,” he said.
The tournament, sponsored by the onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (OKM)
Foundation is aimed at nurturing grassroots talent while promoting positive values among young people.
Murkomen used the occasion to urge leaders to shift focus from divisive politics to issue-based engagement that benefits the youth and the country at large.
“I call on all political players across the divide to exercise tolerance, denounce violence, and embrace issue-based politics that will engage our youth positively and contribute to the development and prosperity of our nation,” he added.
The CS warned that the greatest threat facing the country is not just insecurity in the form of banditry, but leaders misusing their positions to organize gangs and incite unrest.
“The greatest threat is not banditry, but leaders in suits who use their offices to organize goons and gangs, creating insecurity in our communities,” he said.
Murkomen further expressed concern over what he termed as the exploitation of young people by political actors, noting that some leaders have “run out of ideas” and are resorting to using youth to perpetuate violence.
Referring to the recent attack on Godfrey Osotsi, he termed the incident as unfortunate and contrary to the democratic ideals Kenyans fought for.
“What happened to Osotsi is not what we fought for. We must denounce violence and direct our energies to the right causes,” he stated.
As security agencies intensify investigations into politically instigated violence, Murkomen assured that intelligence-led operations would be deployed to bring all perpetrators to justice.
“We will use intelligence to deal with violence and ensure those responsible are brought to book,” he said.
He also called on the judiciary to act firmly and set a precedent that will deter future acts of violence.
“As our security agencies intensify efforts to bring those responsible to book, we call on the Judiciary to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to set a firm precedent that will deter all those who seek to engage in such acts, now and in the future,” he added.
Murkomen urged leaders to organize their politics around issues affecting citizens, warning that inflammatory utterances that incite violence would be dealt with decisively.
“Goons and gangs must be eliminated in this country. Leaders who promote division and violence will be held accountable,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, alongside Members of Parliament Kakai Bisau, Robert Pukose, and Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, among other leaders.
Speaking at the event, Bisau encouraged young people to take advantage of sports platforms to build sustainable livelihoods, noting that talent can open doors to economic empowerment.
Pukose emphasized the role of sports in shaping discipline and steering youth away from negative influences, urging continued investment in grassroots tournaments.
On her part, Siyoi challenged young people to harness their talents for income generation and embrace initiatives that promote self-reliance and personal growth.
Deputy Inspector General Masengeli reiterated the commitment of security agencies to maintain peace during public events and political activities, warning that anyone involved in violence would face the full force of the law.
The Cherangany Unity Cup continues to serve as a platform for promoting unity, discipline, and constructive engagement among young people in the region.
