“You Are Not Untouchable,” CS Murkomen Warns Leaders Fueling Violence Amid Gachagua’s Inflammatory Election Statements

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to political leaders engaging in incitement and violence, declaring that no one is “untouchable” regardless of their political stature or former government positions.

The warning comes just days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made controversial statements regarding the 2027 elections, suggesting potential violence if the IEBC “forces” President William Ruto on Kenyans.

Speaking at Nuru Africa Inland Church in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on Sunday, CS Murkomen directed county security teams to crack down on politicians who engage in “goonism, violence and ethnic division.”

“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure nation for all and will not be threatened by anyone thinking we will spare them because of their position,” Murkomen stated.

“Under my watch, we will not condone anyone who seeks to burn down our nation. We will do everything under the sun to keep our country safe.”

While not mentioning Gachagua by name, Murkomen’s comments appear to address recent statements from political figures who have made threatening remarks about Kenya’s political stability.

“There are those threatening our peace, thinking they are untouchable, thinking they are above the law because of their former senior positions in government,” the Interior CS said, in what observers view as a veiled reference to the former Deputy President.

Gachagua’s warning

Rigathi Gachagua.

Just two days earlier, on Friday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned the incoming Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners about the 2027 general elections during an interview at his Wamunyoro home.

“I want to implore those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work, and the people of Kenya will not accept it,” Gachagua said.

In a statement that has raised concerns about potential instability, Gachagua added, “the mood in the country is that if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there would be no country here; 2007 would look like a Christmas party.”

The former Deputy President, who recently launched his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), also spoke about the “Gen Z wave” as an “unstoppable movement” that would ensure Ruto becomes a one-term president.

President’s call

Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed new Narok International Airport.

President William Ruto has urged his opponents to focus on delivering their promises to Kenyans rather than engaging in early politicking.

During a development tour at the coast on Friday, the President stated, “When the time for campaigns begins, all of you will determine because you are the masters of voting.

People shall be voted in or out based on the work they have done for you and not the number of insults spewed.”

As political tensions appear to rise well ahead of the 2027 elections, the government has made it clear that it will not tolerate politically instigated violence or ethnic incitement, regardless of who is behind it.