Murkomen hits back at Gachagua over police rape claims in Ol Kalou

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to substantiate his claims that police allegedly raped 68 women during the Ol Kalou by-election.

Speaking during the prize-giving day at Tenwek Senior School in Bomet County, Murkomen defended the conduct of security officers deployed during the by-election, saying they acted professionally and within the law.

The CS urged anyone with information about the alleged sexual assaults to formally report the matter to the police, insisting that investigations would be conducted and those found culpable prosecuted.

"To hear allegations that women were sexually assaulted, yet the leaders making those claims have not reported the matter to a police station, is deeply disturbing and painful for our nation," Murkomen said.

"If they have people who were sexually assaulted, let them provide us with the names and the locations, and let those victims report the matter at the nearest police station. We will ensure that investigations are conducted and that the courts impose the appropriate punishment on those found guilty of the offences."

"But if these claims are being made merely for political mileage, then that is cheap politics at its worst. Even in your purported victory, you are a terrible loser because you have allegedly used fictitious claims involving 68 women to make a political statement," he stated.

"I want to tell you this: you are a loser, and you will remain a loser if you use women as tools for political gain," he said. "However, if these are real women, then they must be presented so that they can record statements with the police. Those responsible for perpetrating those acts must be taken to court and held accountable."

Murkomen also cautioned political leaders against making reckless statements that could inflame tensions, saying elections should not be used to divide the country.

"Let us be mindful of the statements we make. This is not a party election. Winning one seat does not give anyone the licence to become reckless with their statements," he stated.

"This is not the first election to be held in Kenya. We have seen many things, we know many things, and many more will happen. Let us all act responsibly as the people of Kenya."