Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to public servants, cautioning them against mocking President William Ruto with nicknames like “Kasongo” or chanting political slogans such as “one term” (wantam).
Speaking in Narok on Monday, August 11, Murkomen declared that any public official, including chiefs and police officers, found engaging in such political behavior or undermining the government risks immediate dismissal for violating the constitution.
“There is no chief, assistant chief, or police officer who will be tolerated if found speaking ill of the government,” Murkomen said.
“If we find any public servant insulting the president or calling him names like Kasongo, or singing slogans like one term, that individual should be sacked immediately.”
He emphasized that public servants must uphold their oath of office by respecting and implementing government policies, regardless of their personal political views.
While he affirmed that all Kenyans including public officers are entitled to vote for candidates of their choice in elections, Murkomen stressed that active political participation while in office is unlawful.
“I’m not just talking about this government. Whether it’s this one or the next, once you choose to serve in public office, you must respect the administration in place,” he said.
“Campaigning or participating in political sloganeering while on government duty is unacceptable.”
Murkomen also addressed the viral circulation of videos and statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning Kenyans against amplifying his recent controversial remarks on social media.
He argued that Gachagua’s statements, particularly those suggesting that senior government officials met with Al-Shabaab leaders in Mandera, pose a threat to national unity and security.
The CS cautioned that resharing such content could further destabilize the country.
“You are the ones encouraging a person who is clearly unwell to continue making statements that endanger our country,” said Murkomen. “It’s no longer a joke who the former DP is at the moment.”
He announced that Gachagua would be required to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) upon his return from a two-month trip to the United States.
“If he refuses to record a statement about his terrorism allegations, then the alternative is to admit him to a mental facility for evaluation,” Murkomen stated.
“Because at this point, the level of contradiction in his claims raises serious questions about his mental health or truthfulness.”
The Interior CS’s remarks come amid growing political tension within the Kenya Kwanza administration and rising concerns about public discourse, national cohesion, and the conduct of public officers as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
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