Kenya is currently facing a serious security crisis, and many are blaming Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen for the worsening situation. His leadership is being called into question following the deaths of 68 people, including 11 police officers, in just one month. This violence has affected areas like Kitui, Meru, and Chuka, where residents are now living in fear and mourning. Murkomen, who took over the powerful Interior docket less than a year ago, is being accused of arrogance and incompetence, with many saying his pride and lack of urgency are costing lives.
Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei has been one of the loudest voices criticizing Murkomen. In a strongly worded post on X, Cherargei accused the CS of failing the nation and described his leadership style as full of “kiburi,” a Swahili word for pride.
According to Cherargei, the consequences of Murkomen’s poor leadership are now clear, and Kenyans are paying the ultimate price.Cherargei went further by comparing Murkomen’s leadership to that of his predecessor Kithure Kindiki, who he said handled security matters more effectively. While not everyone agrees with that assessment, the contrast has fueled public anger, with many now calling for Murkomen’s resignation. One of the shared quotes on Cherargei’s post featured politician Boni Khalwale urging Murkomen to resign if he cannot stop innocent Kenyans from being butchered in their homes. Khalwale’s exact words were, “Murkomen! Listen to me and listen well! If you can’t stop Kenyans from being butchered like chickens in their own homes—RESIGN!” The message s with many Kenyans, especially after The Sunday Standard newspaper carried a bold front page headline: “FIRE MURKOMEN.”
There are growing concerns within government circles that Murkomen’s continued stay in office could further damage the credibility of President William Ruto’s administration. Reports suggest that pressure is mounting on the president to either act quickly or risk looking weak. Some online commentators have even mocked Murkomen, saying he seems more interested in social media than solving security problems.
An image circulating on X described Murkomen as someone who belongs on TikTok and Facebook, not in a serious Cabinet position responsible for the safety of Kenyans.
Despite Cherargei’s praise of Kindiki, not everyone is convinced that the former Interior CS was perfect. Some replies on X questioned Kindiki’s record, with users saying that his time also saw serious issues. One post sarcastically asked, “Kindiki mgani ndio top notch? That cricket voice butchered a lot of people,” showing that public opinion remains divided. Still, there is a general feeling that Murkomen’s performance has been worse, especially given the scale of the current crisis.
The political cost for Ruto’s government could increase. Cherargei, a member of Ruto’s political camp, openly criticizing Murkomen shows that not all is well within the ruling coalition. The situation could lead to a Cabinet reshuffle or further division among key allies.
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