By Fridah Mbuvi, June 15, 2026
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hit back at former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, challenging him to account for his tenure in government instead of criticizing the current administration.
Speaking during an official function, Murkomen accused leaders who previously served in the Ministry of Interior of attempting to lecture the country while ignoring the impact of their own record. He challenged Matiang’i and other former officials to present statistics on what he termed as the “havoc and damage” caused under the previous administration, saying the current government would equally present evidence of the progress it has made.
Murkomen maintained that leaders seeking public office must be subjected to scrutiny based on their past performance, insisting that Kenyans have not forgotten the actions of those who held power before.
His remarks came in response to a series of criticisms by Dr. Matiang’i, who has emerged as a prominent opposition figure and presidential hopeful under the Jubilee Party. During a church service at St. Mary’s Kibabii Catholic Church in Bungoma on Sunday, Matiang’i accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of incompetence and a lack of discipline and respect for citizens.
The former Interior CS has also faulted President William Ruto’s administration over its handling of insecurity and political violence, previously alleging that it had failed to curb political hooliganism. He further questioned the circumstances surrounding a security breach at Murkomen’s office at Nyayo House, suggesting it could have involved insiders.
In response, Murkomen defended the current administration, arguing that it has treated Kenyans with greater respect and accusing opposition leaders of fueling public anxiety and political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election. He also alleged that some politicians were sponsoring goons to destabilize the country for political gain.
The exchange underscores growing political tensions as opposition leaders intensify criticism of the government while positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race.
