Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly defended his ministry and security agencies following growing criticism over security challenges in Kenya.
He particularly took issue with media reports and online commentary questioning the effectiveness of security operations in tackling banditry and terrorism.
Speaking on Wednesday at the National Police Service Development Partners Roundtable held at the Kenya School of Government, Murkomen fired back at The Standard Newspaper, which had described him as a “Below Average CS” in its latest publication.
He dismissed the criticism, arguing that many people do not understand the difficulties faced by security officers in safeguarding the country.
Murkomen suggested that critics should visit operational bases in troubled regions to witness firsthand the dangers officers endure daily. “It is very easy for people to sit behind their computers and write stories about our police officers.
I see it happen often. I wish we could take some of these editors, journalists, and bloggers—not for the whole day, just for half a day—to operational areas like Elwak,” Murkomen stated.
To prove his point, the CS even offered to provide transportation for journalists to visit security camps in volatile areas.
“I want to invite all journalists who enjoy writing about us from the comfort of Nairobi. I will provide free transport and fly a good number of them to Elwak. They should stay there for a week,” he added.
Murkomen argued that it was unfair for the media to continuously criticize the security forces, especially when they were making efforts to protect the country’s borders.
He urged journalists to interact with police officers and local communities in these areas to gain a deeper understanding of the security situation. “After that experience alone, their attitude toward police officers will change,” he insisted.
Rising Security Concerns
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is grappling with a series of security challenges, including rising cases of abductions and deadly attacks targeting law enforcement officers.
On March 23, suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked a police reservist camp in Garissa County, leading to the deaths of six officers and injuries to four others. The attackers also stole weapons and other equipment.
In the same month, a Kenyan police officer was killed, and another was wounded in Mandera County during an attack allegedly carried out by suspected Somali intelligence officers.
The assault was believed to be retaliation for the arrest of individuals involved in a failed attempt to abduct Chinese nationals.
Additionally, five chiefs were abducted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County while on an official assignment ahead of President William Ruto’s planned tour of the North Eastern region.
These incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures, with critics questioning whether the government is doing enough to curb the rising insecurity.
Despite the criticism, Murkomen remains adamant that security agencies are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order across the country.
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