Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has distanced the police from the teargas incident that disrupted a political rally in Kakamega, saying security officers were not involved.
Speaking during a church service in Kipkelion, Kericho County, Murkomen said investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for throwing teargas at Amalemba Grounds during the Linda Mwananchi rally.
“I have no doubt the Inspector General has a responsibility to ensure that the person who carried and threw teargas in Kakamega is searched for and arrested,” he said, warning against attempts to blame law enforcement for politically instigated chaos.
The CS described claims linking police to the incident as a deliberate effort to incite public anger and create sympathy.
He further accused some politicians of fuelling insecurity by mobilising youths to disrupt meetings instead of focusing on their political agenda. Murkomen insisted that the Ministry of Interior remains committed to maintaining peace and will not tolerate incitement, tribal clashes or organised violence.
“We will deploy officers to ensure security, but we will not accept lawlessness disguised as politics,” he stated.
The Kakamega rally, linked to the Linda Mwananchi Movement, was disrupted before speakers took to the stage after teargas canisters were thrown near the venue, causing panic among attendees. Small groups of youths reportedly clashed as rival political supporters displayed their presence in town.
Despite the chaos, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna maintained that the meeting would proceed and urged supporters to remain calm.
Meanwhile, Democratic Action Party Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the violence, calling for peaceful political engagement and an end to intimidation.
Murkomen maintained that Kenya remains stable and secure, reaffirming the government’s commitment to law and order amid rising political tensions.
