Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen announced the government’s firm commitment to decisively tackle individuals involved in political thuggery and organized violence across the country, vowing to act “without fear, favour and indiscriminately.”

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for chiefs and assistant chiefs at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi on Monday, CS Murkomen specifically referenced the recent incidents of politically instigated violence witnessed in the capital, which he stressed will not be tolerated.

“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country, that is perpetuated by political leaders who mobilise goons to cheer for them, they carry rungus, and machetes. What happened here in Nairobi cannot be condoned. Those responsible shall be dealt with and face the law,” CS Murkomen stated.

The statement follows a chaotic incident at a church event in Kariobangi North on Sunday, where opposing youth factions clashed, resulting in injuries and a temporary disruption of a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

CS Murkomen acknowledged that chiefs and assistant chiefs, the primary administration officers, have increasingly struggled to manage public events due to the presence of hired goons.

“We have discussed with the IG that the next most important issues to deal with in the next few months are to make sure that we deal with the issue of goons across the country,” he added.

The ceremony, which was also presided over by President William Ruto, marked the graduation of administration officers who completed a comprehensive training program.

Murkomen praised the chiefs as “multipurpose officers” and “frontline heroes” who are critical to maintaining law and order, conflict resolution, and addressing national threats like banditry and gender-based violence.

The training initiative has seen 5,892 chiefs and assistant chiefs trained since August, many of whom had not received formal training since 1997.