Kipchumba Murkomen warns Rigathi Gachagua over plan to recruit youth to protect rallies, votes: "Hatutakubali"

CS Murkomen Warns Gachagua Over Plan to Recruit Youth to Protect Rallies, Votes: "Hatutakubali"

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning against recruiting youths to protect political rallies and polling stations

Murkomen's remarks targeted former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who had urged his Democracy for the Citizens Party to prepare civilian vote protectors

The CS warned that both politicians who recruit youths for such purposes and the youths who accept will face legal action

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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a sharp warning to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

CS Murkomen addresses a past security meeting. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen. Source: Facebook He cautioned the former deputy president against his proposal to recruit civilian volunteers to provide security at political rallies and guard votes after they are cast during the 2027 General Election.

The Cabinet Secretary urged leaders across the political divide to conduct peaceful campaigns without mobilising groups of youths or relying on unofficial security teams.

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He stressed that political meetings should remain orderly, allowing leaders to address supporters without intimidation or the involvement of individuals recruited to provide protection

Murkomen said the government would take firm action against any leader or individual found recruiting groups to engage in violence during political activities.

He stressed that no Kenyan, irrespective of their political affiliation or region, should attend political rallies or polling stations carrying clubs, crude weapons or any other items that could be used to intimidate or attack others.

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The Interior CS added that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had already begun implementing measures to prevent such activities and maintain security ahead of the election period.

Murkomen warned that both those recruiting youths for violent purposes and the individuals who agree to take part would face the full force of the law.

Murkomen said all security operations fall under the security agencies. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen/Rigathi Gachagua. Source: UGC Gachagua's vote protection strategy The warning follows the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader's previous call to mobilise civilian volunteers who would stand guard at rallies and remain at polling stations until final results are declared during the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua unveiled this approach during a DCP meeting in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County , drawing lessons from the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where he argued that casting a ballot is insufficient if citizens do not also defend the outcome.

He has further framed the initiative as a matter of self-defence, cautioning Murkomen against labelling Mt Kenya youth as members of the banned Mungiki sect.

Didacus Malowa (Political and current affairs editor)

Didacus Malowa is a political and current affairs editor at TUKO.co.ke. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Technology with IT from Maseno University in 2021. He has over four years of experience in digital journalism. Email: didacus.malowa@tuko.co.ke