Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba has responded to the recent attacks directed at the security agencies over lapses in security operations that have threatened to undermine the gains made in the war against banditry and terror.
Speaking during the National Police Service Development Partners Roundtable at the Kenya School of Government on Wednesday, Murkomen lashed out at the media and social media users who have been targeting his ministry and security agencies over the security challenges in Kenya.
Murkomen, whom The Standard Newspaper on Wednesday labelled a "Below Average CS" in its headline, defended the police, stating that it is easy for people to criticise them without understanding the challenges they face in safeguarding the nation.
In response, the CS revealed that he would offer to ferry all the critics to the police operational bases in the disturbed areas for them to appreciate the work the officers do.
"I know it is very easy for people to sit behind their computers and write stories about our police officers. I see it so often. I wish that we could carry some of these editors, journalists, and bloggers—not for the whole day, but for half a day—to operational areas like Elwak," Murkomen maintained.
"I want to request all the journalists who are writing very nice stories about us in Nairobi that I will give you transport for free and fly a good number of journalists to Elwak. I want them to sleep there for a week."
According to Murkomen, it was not in order for the media to continue criticising the operations of the security agencies, especially at a time when they were doing their best to keep the borders safe.
"For your information, there are police officers there whom you are going to interact with alongside the local people. From that experience alone, you will change your attitude on what you say about police officers."
The developments come amid rising security concerns, including increased cases of abductions and attacks on security agencies since Murkomen assumed office at Harambee House, the headquarters of the Interior Ministry.
On March 23, suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked a police reservist camp in Garissa County, resulting in the deaths of six officers and injuries to four others. The assailants seized weapons and other items during the raid.
Still, during the same month, a Kenyan police officer was killed, and another was injured in Mandera County during an attack by suspected Somalia intelligence officers. The incident is believed to be a retaliatory act following the arrest of individuals involved in a failed abduction attempt of Chinese nationals.
Further, five chiefs were abducted by suspected al-Shabaab terrorists in Mandera County while traveling for official duties to prepare for President William Ruto's North Eastern tour.
