“LIVES COME FIRST”: MURKOMEN DEFENDS HOMA BAY RALLY CANCELLATION

Speaking in the wake of the violence that marred the opposition faction’s tour on August 16, Murkomen said police acted on credible intelligence to arrest suspected goons ahead of the gatherings. He argued that these preventive measures averted greater loss of life.

“If the National Police Service, the Inspector General and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had not arrested those criminals before the rally, we would be talking about something else. More lives could have been lost had they not taken preventive measures based on intelligence reports,” Murkomen stated.

The Cabinet Secretary questioned why the Linda Mwananchi leaders, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, proceeded with the Homa Bay meetings despite police warnings of planned attacks and mobilisation of hired youths.

“If you already know that someone has organised goons to attack you in Homa Bay, and the police have told you that goons have been mobilised, why would you still go there? Why not go home and organise another rally without the goons? Why are you forcing yourself?” he asked.

Murkomen maintained that lives come first and that political leaders have a responsibility to cooperate with security agencies and adhere to advice aimed at safeguarding the public. He claimed the organisers ignored security advisories issued ahead of the Homa Bay engagements.



The violence that erupted left several people dead  reports put the toll at between two and four, including a police officer  with dozens injured, vehicles torched and businesses looted. Police later arrested dozens of suspected gang members, some allegedly paid between KSh 2,000 and KSh 4,000 to disrupt the events.

The Interior CS dismissed suggestions of a national “goon crisis,” describing the problem as one confined to sections of the political class rather than a broader threat to ordinary Kenyans. He urged politicians across the divide to shun the use of hired youths and to allow rival groups to hold meetings without interference.

Murkomen ordered security agencies to adopt a more proactive stance, directing the DCI to arrest facilitators of political violence before they reach rally venues rather than waiting for chaos to erupt. He also called on Kenyans to avoid rallies organised by leaders who allegedly sponsor goonism, warning that such gatherings place lives at unnecessary risk.

The remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election. Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to providing security for all lawful public meetings regardless of political affiliation, provided organisers follow established protocols.

Opposition leaders have previously accused local politicians of orchestrating the Homa Bay disruptions and questioned the adequacy of police protection. Murkomen rejected calls for the Inspector General’s resignation over the incident, arguing that responsibility for mobilising youths lay with politicians themselves.

As investigations continue into the Homa Bay violence, the Cabinet Secretary’s position remains clear: security decisions will continue to place the preservation of life above political convenience.

 This follows… https://getembetv.co.ke/articles/kenya-is-safer-murkomen-hits-back-at-goons-claims-nairobi