'Clout chaser', CS Murkomen lashes out at Gachagua over claims of State-sponsored goons

Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House on Thursday on the security situation following the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests, Murkomen launched a scathing attack on Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in ethnic politics and disrespecting public institutions.

"Most of those things he was talking about, saying he was going to be assassinated, he's a clout chaser, so every public event that is of great interest, he likes making it always about himself," Murkomen said.

The Interior CS further described Gachagua as an embarrassment to the country, accusing him of persistently engaging in ethnic profiling of public officials.

"Those kinds of politicians are an embarrassment to this country. He must respect offices. This kind of ethnic profiling on public officers must come to an end," Murkomen stated.

The CS also took issue with what he termed Gachagua's "tribal tirade", claiming the former deputy president often ignores the role of other security officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

"For example, he quickly forgets there is a police IG called Douglas Kanja and he just likes talking of the deputy because his mind is wired tribally," Murkomen added. 

He argued that Gachagua's alleged conduct while in office contributed to his impeachment.

"It is the very reason he couldn't serve half a term because he failed the constitutional test of patriotism and national unity and he continues to dig the same hole that cost him the public office," the CS added.

Murkomen's remarks came in response to a lengthy statement by Gachagua earlier in the day, in which the former deputy president accused the government of sponsoring goons to infiltrate demonstrations marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests.

In the statement, Gachagua claimed the government had prior intelligence on planned attacks and questioned why security agencies had not acted to prevent violence.

"If he is aware of their plans why can't he stop them? Is he unwilling to stop them or he lacks capacity?" Gachagua posed.

The former deputy president further accused Murkomen of interfering with police operations, alleging that the Interior CS had taken over the National Police Service and established a parallel command structure.

"He has taken over the National Police Service and created parallel command. He has introduced goonism in the police service. He has forced police commanders to work with goons!" Gachagua alleged.