Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks, in which he warned of potential post-election violence in 2027, likening it to the 2007/08 chaos. Speaking during a funeral in Matisi, Kitale, Murkomen stated that such utterances are not only reckless but are also enough grounds to disqualify Gachagua from ever holding public office.
Gachagua, who was impeached by the Senate in October 2024, is currently fighting the impeachment in the High Court. Until the court affirms the Senate’s decision, he technically remains eligible to seek public office, including the presidency, which he has declared interest in ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, Murkomen insists that Gachagua’s statements, made during a May 16 interview on Obinna TV, pose a threat to national stability. In the interview, Gachagua warned that if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) mismanages the 2027 elections, the resulting violence would make the 2007 post-election crisis seem minor in comparison.
“With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” Gachagua said.
Murkomen rebuked these comments, describing them as dangerous and irresponsible. “Those remarks alone are enough to bar that person from holding any public office,” he said, emphasizing the trauma many Kenyans still carry from the 2007/08 violence.
He further cautioned political leaders against making inciteful remarks that could plunge the country into crisis, stating that personal political losses should not become national tragedies. “Don’t harm the entire country because of your political problems. People will not die for you to occupy office,” Murkomen warned.
He also confirmed ongoing investigations into recent incidents of chaos during the launch of Gachagua’s new political outfit, the Democratic Change Party (DCP), noting that discussions with the Inspector General of Police are underway.
Several other leaders have echoed Murkomen’s sentiments, with some calling for Gachagua’s arrest over the inflammatory remarks.
