Murkomen, Kanja Warn Politicians Against Misusing VIP Security Officers

By Elijah Cherutich

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have issued a stern warning to political leaders against misusing government-assigned VIP security officers to facilitate violence or political hooliganism.

Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama public baraza in Keringet, Kuresoi South Constituency, Nakuru County, the two security chiefs said police officers assigned to protect public officials must operate strictly within the law and will not be allowed to participate in partisan political activities or acts of violence.

Inspector General Kanja warned that any leader found using police bodyguards to intimidate opponents, shield criminal activities, or sponsor goonism risks losing the officers immediately.

“As the Inspector General of Police, if I establish that officers assigned to VIP protection are being misused, I will withdraw them without hesitation,” Kanja said.

He added that officers who abuse their mandate or fail to uphold professional standards will face disciplinary and administrative action.

Kanja also directed police commanders across the country to take decisive action against criminal gangs operating within their jurisdictions, warning that commanders who fail to act against organised violence would themselves be held accountable.

The warning comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with security agencies increasingly expressing concern over the use of hired gangs to disrupt political events and intimidate rivals. Murkomen has repeatedly maintained that criminal gangs operating under the guise of politics will be treated as ordinary criminals and prosecuted accordingly.

During the same public engagement, Murkomen ordered the immediate transfer of all officers stationed at Keringet Police Station following complaints from residents over poor service delivery, insecurity and allegations of alcohol abuse among some officers.

He said officers found to be struggling with alcoholism would be enrolled in rehabilitation programmes before facing the necessary disciplinary processes.

To reinforce security in the area, the Cabinet Secretary announced the immediate deployment of 20 new police officers and a special operations team to intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol, drugs and criminal gangs. He also announced that Keringet Police Station would receive an additional police vehicle within the next two weeks to strengthen emergency response and patrol operations.

“We are deploying a strong team of officers to undertake serious operations because it is evident there is a significant security challenge in this area,” Murkomen said.

He further warned that security officers, local administrators and other government officials found collaborating with criminals or illegal alcohol traders would face firm disciplinary and legal action.

Murkomen also announced that newly gazetted administrative units in the area will become operational next week. He said the Assistant County Commissioner assigned to the newly created Tinet Division is expected to report to work on Monday, a move aimed at improving government service delivery and strengthening local security coordination.

The Cabinet Secretary’s visit followed recent protests by Keringet residents, who demonstrated over worsening insecurity after a series of mysterious killings and rising criminal activity. Residents also raised concerns about the proliferation of illicit brews and drug abuse, which they said had contributed to increasing lawlessness in the area.