Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen challenged Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to support his claim that police raped 68 women during the Ol Kalou by-election.
Speaking during prize-giving day at Tenwek Senior School in Bomet County, Murkomen defended the behavior of security officers deployed during the vote. He said they carried out their duties professionally and within the law.
The Cabinet Secretary urged anyone with information about the alleged sexual assaults to report the matter to the police. He added that investigators would follow up and any suspects found responsible would be prosecuted.
“To hear allegations that women were sexually assaulted, yet the leaders making those claims have not reported the matter to a police station, is deeply disturbing and painful for our nation,” Murkomen said.
“If they have people who were sexually assaulted, let them provide us with the names and the locations, and let those victims report the matter at the nearest police station. We will ensure that investigations are conducted and that the courts impose the appropriate punishment on those found guilty of the offences.”
The Interior CS said the just-concluded Ol Kalou by-election should not become a tool for driving wedges among Kenyans. He urged leaders from every part of the political divide to show restraint so that the institutions tasked with investigating criminal allegations can do their work.
“But if you make these claims only to score political points, you practice cheap politics at its worst. Even if you call it a victory, you still act like a terrible loser because you allegedly relied on fictitious claims involving 68 women to make a political statement,” he said.
He also warned the former deputy president that legal consequences could follow if he made the assertions in pursuit of political mileage, calling him “a political loser” if he did so.
“I want to be clear: you are a loser, and you will stay a loser if you use women to gain politically. If, however, these women exist, then present them so they can record statements with the police. The people who committed those acts must face court and be held accountable,” he said.
Murkomen further cautioned political leaders against making reckless remarks that could heighten tensions, adding that no one should use elections to split the country.
“Let us think carefully about what we say. This is not a party election. Winning one seat does not give anyone the right to make reckless statements,” he said.
“This is not the first election Kenya has held. We have seen many developments, and we know many things. More will happen too, so let us all act responsibly as Kenyans.”
