Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged politicians to refrain from dragging national security matters into political debates, warning that such behavior undermines the country’s safety and stability. Speaking on Saturday in Nandi County during a visit to condole with the family of the late Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, Murkomen emphasized the need for sobriety and caution in public discourse regarding security.
“Let us be very careful when we speak. This is about the safety and stability of our country,” Murkomen stated. He stressed that security is not an arena for political theatrics or public posturing.
Directly addressing leaders critical of his recent silence following the murder of the Catholic priest, Murkomen was firm: “Nataka niwaambie wale viongozi wanapenda kuongea, hii ni sector ya security. Tunajua hata penye umelala sai,” he said in Swahili, meaning, “I want to tell those leaders who like talking, this is a matter of security. We even know where you sleep.”
He reiterated that national security should remain a bipartisan concern and that he would not be drawn into political spats. “If you expect me to engage in verbal exchanges with you, it will not happen. Our focus is on securing the nation.”
Murkomen called on all stakeholders to allow security agencies the space to operate independently, warning against political interference or attempts to pressure security forces. He also reaffirmed his position against political leaders allegedly sponsoring private militias, saying such actions would face firm legal consequences.
“The safety of our country is more important than the political ambitions or careers of individuals,” he said.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who was also present, condemned the killing of Father Bett and linked it to efforts to intimidate the state into abandoning its crackdown on criminals in Kerio Valley.
“We want to tell you clearly, continue with that operation. Rid Kerio Valley of all criminals so that we can have peace not just in Nandi, but across the country,” Sang urged.
Other leaders present included Emkwen MP Josses Lelmengit, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, area MCA Geoffrey Chemalan, and Nandi Central DCC Jillet Jillo.
