Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned politicians against politicising matters of national security, urging them to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Speaking Saturday when he visited to condole with the family of the late Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett in Nandi, Murkomen reminded leaders that security is not a matter for public theatrics or political posturing.
“Nataka niwaambie wale viongozi wanapenda kuongea, hii ni sector ya security. Tunajua hata penye umelala sai,” said Murkomen.
(I want to tell those leaders who like talking, this is not a sector for empty words, it is a matter of security. We know even where you sleep).
“Let us be very careful when we speak. This is about the safety and stability of our country.”
He stated that national security must remain a bipartisan priority and said he would not engage in political squabbles over such a sensitive issue.
“If you expect me to engage in verbal exchanges with you, it will not happen. Our focus is on securing the nation,” he said in an apparent response to politicians who had accused him of being silent following the murder of the priest.
Murkomen urged all stakeholders to allow security agencies to do their work without undue interference or pressure from political quarters.
He also reiterated his earlier stance on dealing firmly with political leaders who allegedly sponsor their private militias.
He stated that such actions would be met with firm consequences.
“The safety of our country is more important than the political ambitions or careers of individuals,” he added.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who also spoke at the event, condemned the killing of Father Bett.
He described it as an attempt to intimidate the government into halting its crackdown on criminal elements in the 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 were Emkwen MP Josses Lelmengit, DIG-KPS Eliud Lagat, area MCA Geoffrey Chemalan, Nandi Central Sub-County DCC Jillet Jillo, among other leaders.
