Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide crackdown on political goons, following a wave of violence that disrupted by-elections across different regions on Thursday, November 27, 2022.
Speaking during the graduation of over 6000 Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs at National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Nairobi, on Monday, December 1, 2025, he termed these growing phenomena as “unacceptable”.
Several politicians were attacked during the chaotic polls.
In Malava, aspirant Seth Panyako was assaulted on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
A mob in Kasipul attacked Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma during Thursday’s voting on November 27, 2025.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was also assaulted on Saturday, November 23, 2025.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was teargassed while attending a church service in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Murkomen linked the growing trend of goon mobilisation to political leaders who allegedly hire armed youth to influence public gatherings.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country, especially perpetuated by political leaders, where people mobilize goons who carry machetes and rungus,” he stated.
He noted that chiefs and assistant chiefs have increasingly struggled to manage public events, even funerals, due to the rising insecurity.
He praised President William Ruto for making history as the first President to preside over the graduation of chiefs since independence.
Murkomen revealed that the Jukwaa La Usalama report exposed gaps in the administrative sector, including a lack of basic training for chiefs.
He said he had agreed with the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to prioritise eliminating goons in the coming months.
He warned that the crackdown would be conducted indiscriminately across all regions.
