Gachagua to Ruto: Prove commitment to fighting goons by sacking Murkomen, PS Omollo

Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President, has urged President William Ruto to show his dedication to combating political violence by removing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Gachagua made these statements at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday night, August 26, 2026.

He accused Murkomen and Omollo of orchestrating and funding goons across the nation. According to Gachagua, if Ruto is genuinely intent on addressing the issue, he must dismiss Murkomen and Omollo, as they are responsible for planning and financing violent groups.

The challenge came after Ruto cautioned politicians connected to political violence and pledged to take action against those financing or organizing violent factions. Gachagua applauded the President's announcement but questioned whether the government would follow through on eliminating the officials he claims are aiding violent activities.

He stated, "Now that the President has declared he will personally handle the goons, I trust that it will now be done." Gachagua further demanded that Ruto assumes responsibility if the alleged goon networks persist. "If it doesn't happen, then it means he is behind the goons, or he must resign as President."

Gachagua also questioned Murkomen's failure to advise Ruto to avoid events where goon-infested gatherings were likely to occur. "I don't know why Murkomen did not advise him not to go where goons are," he said. Gachagua's comments followed Ruto's warning to political leaders suspected of financing violence and using hired groups to disrupt public order. The President's administration has vowed to tackle leaders involved in funding violence, emphasizing that Kenya will not be dominated by hired goons.

The remarks by Gachagua come as political activity escalates ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua, currently on a political and diaspora tour of the United States, has increasingly criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration and called for action against officials he accuses of enabling political violence.