Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for a united front in the fight against religious radicalisation. He warned that police alone cannot stop the growing threat and urged communities to play their part.
Citizens must stay vigilant
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Monday Report, Murkomen said security is not the responsibility of the police alone. He compared the recent Kwa Binzaro cult deaths in Kilifi County to the Shakahola massacre, noting that both incidents showed clear warning signs that went unreported.
“As long as we abdicate our duties as citizens, there will always be security issues,” Murkomen said. “You cannot leave your house unlocked and expect the police to do everything.”
The CS pointed to weak community structures such as the Kenya Alliance of Residents Association (KARA). According to him, these groups should play a stronger role in gathering intelligence and relaying it to authorities.
Early reporting saves lives
Murkomen cited a case where, even after Shakahola, a man moved from Siaya to Chakama Ranch with his children for months. No one raised alarm, he said, showing the urgent need for early reporting. He also revealed that the government is considering self-regulation for religious institutions to curb extremist indoctrination.
Trust deficit remains a challenge
KARA Chief Executive Officer Henry Ochieng admitted that mistrust between citizens and the police continues to hinder cooperation. “There is goodwill from communities, but many fear that information they give could be used against them,” Ochieng explained.
Ongoing investigations
Police are still investigating the Kwa Binzaro massacre. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that 34 bodies had been exhumed, with 102 sets of human remains recovered. Eleven suspects are in custody, four of whom are key suspects.
Authorities believe many of the victims were non-locals, highlighting the need for vigilance and community action to prevent future tragedies.
