Kipchumba Murkomen Warns Police, Civil Servants Opposing Govt Will Be Fired: "Unconstitutional"
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned public servants against using political slogans or nicknames for the president while in office
- He warned that any public official, including security personnel, who engages in political activities could face immediate dismissal
- Murkomen also urged Kenyans to stop sharing controversial remarks by Rigathi Gachagua, citing potential risks to national stability
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that public servants who chant political slogans, give the president nicknames, or take part in partisan activities risk losing their jobs.
Source: UGC
Speaking in Narok on Monday, August 11, Murkomen said it was unconstitutional for state employees, including security officers, to undermine the government they serve.
Is it illegal for civil servants to oppose Ruto?
He specifically mentioned references to President William Ruto as “Kasongo” and the use of the anti-government slogan “wantam,” saying such conduct would not be tolerated.
“There is no chief, assistant chief or police officer who will be tolerated when found speaking badly of the government, because it is unlawful and unconstitutional. If any security officer or public servant insults the president, gives him nicknames such as Kasongo, or chants ‘one term,’ that public servant should be sacked immediately,” he said.
The Interior CS emphasised that public officers must focus on understanding and implementing government policies in line with the oath they took when assuming office.
He said they still retain their democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates during the next general election, but must avoid political campaigns or sloganeering while in service.
“I am not saying this only because of this government, but also for any that comes after it. If you choose to serve in public service, you must respect the government of the day. When it comes to voting, no one will prevent you from choosing whoever you want, but you cannot participate in campaigns while serving,” he added.
Source: Twitter
Did Murkomen warn against sharing Gachagua's videos?
Murkomen also used the occasion to warn Kenyans about circulating videos of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua on social media.
He said some of Gachagua’s recent statements, which he described as troubling, were being amplified online without consideration of their possible effects on political, social, and security stability.
“It is no longer a joke who the former deputy president is at the moment. Many of you share his messages, encouraging someone who is unwell to keep making remarks that could harm our country,” Murkomen said.
The CS called for restraint both from public officers and citizens, saying responsible speech and action are essential in safeguarding national unity and stability.
What did Murkomen say on police who resigned?
In a related development, Murkomen reacted to Police Constable Hiram Kimathi’s refusal to accept a transfer from Machakos to the volatile Todonyang base in Turkana.
Murkomen explained that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had considered Kimathi a hardworking officer and saw the transfer as an opportunity for him to serve in a challenging area.
He added that police officers are obligated to work anywhere in the country to uphold public safety and security.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
