Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has distanced himself from the ongoing spate of abductions and killings of anti-government activists, denying any involvement or oversight of the incidents.
In a statement delivered by his lawyers, Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi on Tuesday, Murkomen clarified that he had no role in the development or implementation of any policies related to the abductions, adding that even his predecessors were not involved.
“He (Murkomen) does not know anything about the abductions and has not developed any policy related in use,” Omari stated
Murkomen, who assumed office as Interior CS on December 19, 2024, in statements made by his lawyers, appears to shift the blame for the abductions to the Inspector General of Police.
He argues that the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property lies with the IG.
“The mandate of protection of the security of property and lives lies with the IG of the police. Him is on policy but as a citizen of this country and as a CS in charge of Interior security is concerned about the abductions and that is why he is condemning it,” stated Omari.
“He further noted that while the CS for Interior can propose policies, the execution and command structure lie within the purview of the IG, not Murkomen’s office.
“Policy does not involve the command structure, which is solely the preserve of the Inspector General of Police,” Omari added.
Murkomen also clarified his limited role in national security matters, stressing that the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the President, is responsible for national security decisions.
“National security is under the domain of the National Security Council, not the Cabinet Secretary for Interior. I only bring matters relating to the National Police Service to the Council,” Murkomen’s lawyers explained.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary condemned any form of extrajudicial actions, whether carried out by government agencies or criminals, that have contributed to the ongoing crisis.
“He condemns in the strongest terms any form of extrajudicial actions taken by government agencies or criminals involved in the abductions,” Omari said. “Those who have abducted young Kenyans, whether they are police officers, citizens, or foreigners, will face the full force of the law. Nobody is above the law,” Omari added.
Murkomen made it clear that he would run the Ministry of Interior with a focus on professionalism and adherence to constitutional principles.
“He is committed to running the Iinterior ministry differently, in accordance with the rule of law,” Omari emphasized.
The remarks by the lawyers come hours before the hearing of the cases raised by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who are seeking accountability from various state agencies, including Murkomen’s ministry, over the abductions.
Both the CS and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have been ordered to appear in court on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, to provide explanations regarding the abductions of six Kenyans: Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, Billy Mwangi, Ronny Kiplangat, and Steve Kivango.
Omari and Nyaberi contend that Murkomen’s role as Interior CS does not extend to police operations but rather is focused on policy thus he should be removed from the cases.
“These petitions are misplaced, and we have instructions to urge the court to expunge Murkomen’s name from the suit. His role is defined, and it is in policy, not command,” Omari said.
Murkomen’s lawyers further clarified that the constitutional responsibility for law enforcement actions rests with the IG, who operates independently of the Interior CS.
“The DPP has given instructions to the IG and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conclude investigations into all abductions by January 15, 2025. Let us not interfere with the ODPP’s directives; it is an independent constitutional office,” Omari stated.
As a parent, Murkomen expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the abductions, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
“As a parent, I understand the pain of losing a child, and my thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones during these difficult times,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen’s legal team confirmed that they are in the process of organizing a meeting with key criminal justice actors, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Inspector General of Police, to address the issue of abductions.
The CS remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable under the law.
“Those who have abducted young Kenyans, whether they are police officers, citizens, or foreigners, will face the full force of the law. Nobody is above the law,” he vowed.
Finally, Murkomen reiterated that he has not developed a policy on abductions but is in the process of drafting one, which he expects to present soon.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the autonomy of the police force, which has been granted financial and operational independence by the President.
“The financial autonomy of the National Police Service was granted by the President. As the CS for Interior, I will ensure that thorough investigations are conducted and that the law is followed,” Murkomen said.
At the same time, the National Police Service (NPS), through its spokesman Dr. Resila Onyango, has denied involvement in the abductions, stating that the NPS is conducting investigations into the matter.
