Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to public servants, cautioning them against giving President William Ruto the nickname “Kasongo” or chanting “wantam” as a slogan against the government.
Speaking in Narok on Monday, August 11, Murkomen said that any government employee, including police officers or other security personnel, found participating in such political activities would face immediate dismissal. He stressed that these actions are unconstitutional and go against the values of public service.
Murkomen explained that public servants have a responsibility to remain neutral in politics while in service and instead dedicate their time to learning and implementing government policies in line with the oath they took when accepting their positions.
He emphasised that their primary duty is to serve the government of the day without engaging in partisan activities.
However, the CS reassured public servants that, just like any other Kenyan, they have the right to fully exercise their democratic freedoms when the time comes to vote. They will be allowed to choose their preferred leaders in elections without any interference.
“No chief, assistant chief, or police officer will be tolerated if they are found insulting the government, disrespecting the president, or calling him nicknames like ‘Kasongo’ or chanting ‘one term.’ Any public servant who does this should be sacked immediately,” Murkomen said.
He further explained that this was not about protecting the current administration only, but a standard principle that applies to all governments.
“Whether it is this government or the next one, if you choose to work in public service, you must respect the government in power. When it comes to voting, no one will stop you from making your choice, but while you are in service, you must not take part in campaigns or political sloganeering,” he added.
During a separate press briefing the same day, Murkomen also warned Kenyans against sharing videos of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on social media.
He argued that the former DP’s recent controversial remarks could harm the country’s political, social, and security stability if they continue circulating widely.
Murkomen claimed that some Kenyans are unknowingly fuelling tension by repeatedly posting Gachagua’s statements online, not fully understanding the possible consequences.
“This is no longer a joke. Many of you are sharing his messages without thinking about the damage they could cause. By doing so, you are encouraging someone who is clearly unwell to keep making statements that may harm the nation,” he said.
These comments came after Gachagua alleged that senior government officials had met with Al-Shabaab leaders in Mandera.
In response, Murkomen announced that the former DP would be required to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as soon as he returns from his two-month visit to the United States.
Murkomen was blunt about the seriousness of the matter.
“If the former DP refuses to record a statement about what he said concerning Al-Shabaab and terrorism, then the only reasonable action is to admit him to a mental institution for evaluation. His level of contradiction shows he is either a pathological liar or has a mental health condition that needs treatment,” the CS stated.
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