'You are organising Mungiki... We will deal with you!' Murkomen goes after Gachagua in fiery attack

Speaking on Friday during a security assessment tour of Kerio Valley in Tiaty, Baringo County, a visibly agitated Murkomen alleged that Gachagua was mobilising members of the outlawed group against government officials and electoral officers, warning that the State would not tolerate any attempts to undermine national security.

"I know what you are doing, Gachagua. You are organising Mungiki against government officials and against electoral officials, but I want to tell you we will not allow you," Murkomen said.

The Interior CS further vowed that the government would take firm action against criminal gangs, saying authorities would begin by dismantling those he claimed were linked to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader.Gachagua.

"We will deal with goons, and we will start with your goons," he declared.

Murkomen's remarks come amid heightened national debate over the use of hired gangs to disrupt political meetings and intimidate rivals following a series of violent incidents at political gatherings.

He argued that criminal gangs have existed in Kenya for decades but claimed the current administration was the first to publicly commit to confronting the problem.

"Goons did not emerge in Ol Kalou or last year. They have been terrorising Kenyans for more than 10 years. This is the only government that has openly declared that it will fight and eliminate goons," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary accused Gachagua of orchestrating violent groups while serving as Deputy President, alleging that he organised gangs to attack opposition supporters during anti-government protests in 2023.

Murkomen also claimed that individuals linked to Gachagua were responsible for the invasion of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Northlands Farm where property was destroyed and livestock stolen.

"When he was Deputy President, he would wake up early to organise goons to attack Raila Odinga and the opposition during protests. The following year, he organised goons who invaded Uhuru's farm and stole livestock," Murkomen alleged.

He contrasted himself with Gachagua, saying he had different values and would not engage in violence for political ends.

"I was brought up differently. I have different values. I am a Sunday school teacher. I am not like you," he said.

Murkomen went on to describe Gachagua as "a master of hypocrisy and doublespeak," accusing him of making contradictory statements and alleging that he was unfit to hold public office.

He also dismissed Gachagua's recent criticism of the government's handling of elections and security, insisting that no individual would be allowed to use politics to threaten national stability.

"This nation is not a place where people play politics with national security," Murkomen said, adding that the government would ensure Gachagua's alleged plans "do not succeed."

"Who are you? Wewe unakuja kuwa mkali kuliko bandits ama al shabaab...? Cheza na watu wengine lakini sio mimi... We are not joking in this country and this nation is not a place where people play politics with national security," said Murkomen, adding "Huyu mtu tumnyoroshe ama tusimnyoroshe?"

The Interior CS further rejected claims that government officials, including chiefs, were being unfairly targeted, accusing Gachagua of attempting to incite hostility against public servants.

Gachagua has, however, consistently denied accusations of sponsoring violence or criminal gangs and has repeatedly accused the government of using security agencies to suppress political dissent.