Nairobi: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to politicians against the hiring and deployment of goons at political gatherings. He emphasized that security agencies have ramped up intelligence operations to identify and arrest individuals planning violence before they can execute their plans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen stated that the Government is determined to prevent political competition from descending into violence. He warned that individuals recruited to cause disruptions at public gatherings would be actively pursued and brought to justice. The new security measures focus on preventing violence rather than responding to clashes after they occur.
“There are a few politicians who hire and deploy goons at their functions,” Murkomen noted, adding that security agencies are closely monitoring political networks suspected of recruiting young people to incite disorder at rallies and other public events. The Interior CS delivered this message at Kabianga High School in Kericho County during the third edition of the Belgut Marathon, combining a strong security warning with a call for greater investment in sports as a means of engaging young people.
Murkomen highlighted that intelligence-led policing would allow authorities to identify potential troublemakers early, preventing them from turning political gatherings into scenes of confrontation. He warned that those using violence to advance political interests would face the full force of the law. His remarks followed violence reported in Homa Bay, which he cited as an example of the risks faced by security officers tasked with protecting political teams and public gatherings. The attack on police officers protecting the Linda Wananchi team resulted in one officer’s death and injuries to four others.
Murkomen emphasized that such incidents should not become part of Kenya’s political culture. He stressed that political differences should be resolved through debate and peaceful mobilization rather than intimidation, destruction, or physical attacks. He warned politicians who use violence as a political tool that security agencies would not tolerate gangs used to threaten citizens or disrupt public meetings.
The warning was echoed by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo, who urged young people to reject politicians inciting violence. Omollo called on the youth not to allow themselves to be used as instruments in political conflicts, specifically where they are encouraged to confront opponents or disrupt public meetings on behalf of politicians.
The security message was delivered against the backdrop of a marathon that illustrated how sports can provide young people with constructive opportunities while supporting education and community development. Murkomen noted that the Government views sports as not only a source of entertainment and talent development but also as a critical avenue for strengthening social cohesion and reducing young people’s vulnerability to drugs, crime, and political manipulation.
“We are investing in sports to nurture talent, empower communities, strengthen cohesion, and create opportunities for young people to realize their full potential,” Murkomen stated. He explained that structured sporting programs give young people opportunities to develop discipline, discover their abilities, and pursue careers while bringing communities together around shared activities.
According to Murkomen, these benefits also impact national security because young people with productive opportunities are less likely to be drawn into destructive activities. “Sports also complement the fight against drug and substance abuse, aiding security, and advancing national development,” he added.
The Belgut Marathon, organized by area MP Nelson Koech as a charity event, aimed to combine sporting competition with support for education. The race brought together athletes, students, political leaders, and the public, with proceeds directed towards needy students at Belgut Starehe Girls and Boys. The organizers raised Sh51 million for the education cause, significantly boosting students facing financial challenges. Murkomen commended Koech for transforming the marathon into a platform for community support, noting that initiatives combining sport, education, and youth empowerment can have a lasting impact beyond the day of competition.
He also congratulated the athletes who participated, highlighting that their involvement gave the event both a competitive and charitable dimension. Kiprop Kimutai emerged as the men’s winner, while Jackline Chepngeno took the women’s title, leading a field of athletes who participated in the charity race.
For Murkomen, the Belgut event provided an opportunity to link two increasingly central issues to the Government’s public message: maintaining security and expanding opportunities for young people. He emphasized that political mobilization must remain peaceful and leaders should compete for public support through policies, ideas, and development programs, rather than using gangs to intimidate opponents.
The Interior CS stated that security agencies would continue using intelligence to disrupt plans for violence before they translate into attacks, urging citizens to reject leaders seeking political advantage through confrontation and disorder. He affirmed that the Government would remain firm in protecting public safety and ensuring that political gatherings are conducted within the law.
Murkomen further called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting individuals or groups suspected of planning violence, emphasizing that early intervention is critical in preventing incidents that could threaten lives and property. He concluded by stating that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility involving security agencies, political leaders, young people, and the wider public. As political activity intensifies, he assured that security agencies would remain vigilant and take appropriate action against individuals found recruiting or mobilizing people to cause violence.
