Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to politicians accused of hiring goons to disrupt campaigns ahead of the nationwide by-elections scheduled for November 27.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, Murkomen expressed concern over the increasing cases of political violence orchestrated by hired gangs, vowing that the government would pursue not only the gang leaders but also the politicians financing them.
“Within the next month, we need to see most of these gang leaders, gangs, and goons facing the full force of the law,” Murkomen stated. “And for anyone who is maintaining and paying young people to commit criminal offences and cause disturbances and assaults, we are not just coming for the gang leaders and gangs—we are also coming for you.”
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that the practice of hiring goons had become “very lucrative and prevalent,” particularly in the Western region. He alleged that a single Member of County Assembly (MCA) could be in charge of up to 100 goons, while some Members of Parliament control between 200 and 500. Senior county leaders were accused of managing groups as large as 1,000 to 2,000 goons.
The warning comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) prepares to oversee by-elections in more than 20 political seats at the ward, constituency, and senatorial levels.
Vacant seats include Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chenundu (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu).
Also up for grabs are a Senatorial seat in Baringo and Member of Parliament positions in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja Constituencies.
The IEBC has directed political parties intending to participate in the by-elections to submit the names and specimen signatures of authorized officials by Wednesday, September 17. The commission has also set October 8 and 9 as the dates for the nomination of party candidates and independents.
Murkomen’s strong stance signals the government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and fair by-elections amid growing concerns over political instability and violence.
