Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned police officers against working with criminal groups or taking political sides ahead of Thursday’s by-elections, saying any officer found colluding with goons will be dismissed from service.
Speaking in Kasipul Constituency on Wednesday, the CS said the government had noted growing cases of officers attached to VIPs engaging in political activity, contrary to police regulations and the National Police Standing Orders. His remarks came after the State withdrew the official security detail of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing the officers of participating in political campaigns and violent confrontations.
Murkomen insisted the country cannot afford compromised security during the mini polls, stressing that any officer caught coordinating with lawbreakers or facilitating unrest would face immediate removal from the service.
“There have been officers misusing their VIP attachments to advance political plans. Anyone found working with goons will be discharged,” he said.
The CS emphasized that neutrality remains a core obligation for all officers, warning that political affiliations should not influence their conduct. He added that the government is committed to restoring full discipline within the service to ensure peaceful, credible and well-secured by-elections.
At the same time, Murkomen cautioned members of the public against engaging in violence or attempting to breach security during the polls, saying offenders will be arrested and charged.
Governor Natembeya, who lost his full security detail on Tuesday evening, termed the move a targeted act of intimidation. He accused the government of using security withdrawals, Senate summons and alleged graft claims to silence him.
The by-elections, set for Thursday, have been marked by heightened political tension, with both government and opposition leaders accusing each other of interference.
