Murkomen Warns Schools Against Forcing Early Morning Reporting
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to schools that demand students report at very early hours in the morning.
Speaking in Kisii County on Friday, September 12, the CS expressed deep concern that such practices expose children to unnecessary risks, including sexual violence, as they travel to school in the dark.
Murkomen explained that some institutions require pupils to be present by 6 a.m., forcing them to leave their homes as early as 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. He condemned the practice, saying it violates the rules and principles guiding the country’s education system.
“In some situations, children are being defiled while on their way to school. This happens because schools insist on extremely early reporting times. It is unacceptable and goes against the set guidelines in our education sector,” he said.
The CS further warned that most of these crimes are often committed by people who are close to the victims, such as relatives, teachers, and even caregivers. He called upon chiefs and assistant chiefs to actively raise awareness in communities and ensure that all incidents of defilement are promptly reported.
Murkomen stressed that this issue is particularly urgent as schools prepare to close for the long holiday beginning next month. He noted that the two-month holiday period has, in the past, recorded a spike in such cases, putting children at even greater risk.
“It is a very serious concern. Children will be home for almost two months during the upcoming holiday, and without proper monitoring, this can turn into a catastrophe,” he cautioned.
The Cabinet Secretary urged schools to play a bigger role in creating safe environments where learners are fully protected. He emphasized that no child should be placed in danger simply because of unreasonable reporting hours.
While in Kisii, Murkomen also held a series of engagements with county leaders. He met with the Kisii County security team, inspected ongoing identification card and civil registration exercises, and later attended a town hall meeting at the County Commissioner’s residence.
Drunk OCS Arrested During Murkomen Event
In a separate incident, a police officer in Migori County found himself in trouble after showing up drunk at a public security meeting led by CS Murkomen.
The officer, identified as Daniel Muchiri, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Ntimaru Police Station, attended the Jukwaa la Usalama forum while visibly intoxicated. His conduct raised alarm among colleagues and the public.
Muchiri was subjected to a breathalyser test, which confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol. He was then rushed to a hospital for further examination before being taken into custody for a short time until he regained full consciousness.
According to Suna East Sub-County Police Commander Samwel Boit, the officer was later booked at Suna East Police Station. He was eventually released but now faces disciplinary action for his misconduct.
The incident has sparked debate about professionalism within the police service, especially at a time when the government has been emphasizing discipline, accountability, and public trust in security agencies.
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