Leaders from the Ukambani are now calling on President William Ruto to fire Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of fueling ethnic divisions and lacking a unifying national vision.
Speaking in Matungulu, Machakos County, during a development tour, the leaders led by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, have said Murkomen’s recent comments on the Gen Z-led protests were inflammatory and unbefitting of a national leader. He argued that such remarks could deepen the rift between the government and young people pushing for socio-political reforms.
“Murkomen’s statements were divisive and lacked the values expected from a national leader, especially at a time when the country needs unity. Such comments will only provoke further resistance from the youth,” said Mwangangi.
The Deputy Governor urged President Ruto to reconsider Murkomen’s position in government and appoint a leader who is more experienced in matters of national security and capable of promoting cohesion.
“We need a leader who understands the sensitivity of the moment. Murkomen has shown he is out of touch with national unity, and retaining him may drag the country into deeper division,” he added.
Mwangangi also criticized what he termed as selective enforcement of the law by the Interior Ministry, claiming that certain leaders from specific regions are being unfairly targeted in the name of national security.
“There appears to be double standards in how the Interior Ministry handles security matters, which is dangerous for our democracy,” he said.
The call comes amid rising public pressure and nationwide protests driven largely by disillusioned youth, who have cited corruption, lack of accountability, and poor governance as their core concerns.
Written by Nicholas Mbai
