Jubilee demands Murkomen’s resignation amid rising political goon attacks

Jeremiah Kioni, Deputy Party Leader for Operations of the Jubilee Party, has called for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to resign. Kioni contends that the government has not taken adequate measures to curb political violence and safeguard Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasized the need for security agencies to maintain professionalism and ensure all Kenyans, irrespective of their political affiliations, are protected.

Kioni warned that the use of goons and verbal aggression could endanger the country's democratic space. This call for Murkomen's resignation came during the Jubilee Party's Mount Kenya Consultative Forum in Limuru on August 19, 2026. The demand follows increased concerns over political violence, including clashes and alleged goon attacks at political gatherings.

Jubilee stated that political competition should not deteriorate into intimidation, advocating for rival politicians to be treated as competitors rather than adversaries. Kioni held the government accountable for creating an environment where Kenyans can engage in political activities without fear of violence and accused the administration of inflicting hardship on Kenyans.

He pledged that Jubilee would seek to remove the current government through electoral means. Kioni also categorically rejected violence as a legitimate political instrument, including attacks perpetrated by organized groups at rallies. He reiterated that the party does not endorse any form of violence, whether verbal or otherwise.

The party’s insistence on Murkomen's resignation places the Interior Ministry under renewed political scrutiny for its management of security during political events. Jubilee demands that security forces act impartially and guarantee protection regardless of political allegiance. Jubilee deputy leader and presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i urged politicians to adopt peaceful and respectful politics, emphasizing that elections should not permanently divide Kenyans.

Matiang’i argued that political opponents should not be deemed enemies in a multiparty democracy, urging politicians to concentrate on competing on ideas and policies while respecting the nation and its institutions. These remarks emerged as political parties gear up for the 2027 election, raising apprehensions about whether campaign rivalry could spark further confrontations.

The Jubilee calls also come amid condemnation of the violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County over the weekend, which has elicited criticism from religious leaders, including the Anglican Church of Kenya, who denounced political violence and called for increased accountability among political leaders and their supporters.

The Homa Bay incident has further fueled concerns about the conduct of political rallies as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. Jubilee’s demand for Murkomen's dismissal is expected to fuel further discussions about the Interior Ministry's role in ensuring security at political gatherings and preserving public order. With the 2027 election still looming, the issue of political thugs and campaign violence is poised to serve as a critical test for Kenya's security forces, political parties, and democratic institutions.