Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called for the resignation of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo over the country's growing goonism crisis.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, accusing them of failing to stop what he described as a growing culture of goonism across the country.
Speaking in the wake of recent incidents of violence linked to alleged hired gangs, Mwangangi claimed the country's security leadership had failed to protect Kenyans and should take responsibility for the situation. He alleged that the continued incidents of violence were taking place with the knowledge of government officials, questioning how security agencies could launch investigations into suspected goons without already knowing who they were.
A Failure of Security Leadership
According to the Deputy Governor, the recurring cases of alleged goonism witnessed during public gatherings and political events point to a serious failure of leadership within the country's security apparatus. Mwangangi also criticised recent remarks by Interior CS Murkomen indicating that suspected goons involved in incidents in Ol Kalou would be investigated, arguing that security agencies should already have sufficient intelligence to identify those responsible.
Citizens and Media Under Threat, DG Says
He further accused the government of failing to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, alleging that innocent Kenyans had increasingly become victims of violence instead of being protected by the very institutions mandated to guarantee their security. The Deputy Governor also condemned what he described as increasing attacks on the media, saying journalists should be allowed to carry out their constitutional duty of informing the public without intimidation or interference.
Praise for Ol Kalou Residents
Referring to recent events in Ol Kalou, Mwangangi commended residents for resisting what he described as attempts by goons to disrupt democratic processes, saying their response should serve as a lesson to leaders and citizens across the country. He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms, adding that future elections should be conducted peacefully without interference from criminal groups or politically motivated violence.
Calls for Political Responsibility
Mwangangi argued that the government should immediately address the growing concerns surrounding alleged goonism before the situation escalates further, warning that continued inaction could undermine public confidence in the country's security institutions. He maintained that the Interior CS and the PS should resign and take political responsibility for the insecurity witnessed under their watch, saying doing so would demonstrate accountability to Kenyans.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate over recent incidents of alleged goonism during public events and demonstrations, with opposition leaders and some government critics calling for stronger action against those responsible, while security agencies have maintained that investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.