Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning against what he perceives as a rise in political attacks, intimidation, and ethnic profiling targeting members of Kenya’s security agencies.
Speaking at the 11th Special Operations Group (SOG) graduation ceremony at Kamanga Training Camp in Samburu County, the CS affirmed that the government would not tolerate attempts to undermine institutions tasked with safeguarding the nation. He stressed that security officers must be allowed to fulfil their constitutional mandate free from political interference or personal attacks.
“I will continue defending our security agencies against all attacks, including political attacks. We will not allow utterances that mention officers by name, characterize security agencies, or sabotage security operations.” he declared.
The Cabinet Secretary stated his unwavering resolve, particularly against individuals who exploit ethnicity and divisive politics to target security leadership.
“I will continue to stand firm against bullies, agents of hatred, division, and ethnic bigotry who mention security officers by name and characterise police and security leadership based on their tribes,” Murkomen asserted.
He further insists that politicians must cease dragging security agencies into their political rhetoric, emphasising that national security should remain above partisan interests.
“This is national security. We are patriots. We want to protect our nation. Go away with your ethnic bigotry… You must not bring it into security circles,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary urged the Inspector General of Police to act swiftly against criminals impersonating security officers by wearing camouflage uniforms. He stressed that individuals masquerading as members of the Special Operations Group or police officers to extort the public or provide security at political gatherings must be arrested to safeguard the integrity of the country’s security services.
Murkomen also attributed significant progress in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and organised crime to increased cooperation among Kenya’s security agencies.
“No single agency can effectively confront today’s complex security challenges in isolation. The successes we have recorded against terrorism, banditry, transnational crime, and other emerging threats are a result of close collaboration among security agencies,” he explained.
According to the CS, the multi-agency approach, involving the National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and National Government Administration Officers, has strengthened the country’s ability to prevent and respond to emerging security threats, while fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and investment.
“The spirit of cooperation not only strengthens our ability to prevent and respond to security threats but also creates a secure environment necessary for economic growth, investment, and the realisation of the Government’s development agenda,” he noted.
Describing inter-agency collaboration as one of Kenya’s greatest security successes, Murkomen highlighted that teamwork, rather than institutional competition, has enabled security officers to restore stability in previously volatile regions.
“The best thing that ever happened in this country is to have multi-agency working among the organisations and security agencies. This multi-agency approach has made our country better.”
The Cabinet Secretary commended the Special Operations Group for its pivotal role in suppressing banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North Rift. He noted that the elite unit, working alongside other security agencies, has been instrumental in restoring normalcy in Kerio Valley and neighbouring counties, where communities had previously endured constant insecurity.
He reported that women and children have returned to their homes, farmers are back on their land, learners have resumed school, and movement between communities in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot has significantly improved following sustained security operations.
Murkomen revealed that over 2,000 illegal firearms and 15,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered during the operations, with some suspects voluntarily surrendering weapons due to sustained pressure from the Special Operations Group.
He also congratulated the 122 officers graduating from the six-and-a-half-month Special Operations Group training programme, urging them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity as they undertake assignments in combating terrorism, organised crime, banditry, and other complex security threats across the country.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening security institutions through ongoing reforms, investment, and closer collaboration among all agencies responsible for protecting Kenya and its citizens.
