Murkomen: ICC Warning for Orengo Over Homa Bay Goons

• Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen accused Siaya Governor James Orengo and MP Babu Owino of mobilizing 'goons' from Nairobi to Homa Bay.
• Murkomen claimed some youths evaded DCI interception by traveling with Governor Orengo.
• The CS warned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could prosecute Orengo for alleged involvement with 'goons'.
• Murkomen criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for raising the issue of 'goons' for electoral reasons, citing past political violence.
• The government has warned political leaders against mobilizing supporters in ways that could trigger unrest, especially ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He asserted that if the ICC were to become involved, Governor Orengo would face severe consequences, stating he would be "hanged even before the case is heard because he is known to be working with the worst goons in the country."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently issued a stern warning regarding potential International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution, specifically naming Siaya Governor James Orengo. The warning came on August 21, following Murkomen's accusations that Governor Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had orchestrated the mobilization of youth groups, referred to as 'goons,' from Nairobi with the intention of deploying them in Homa Bay.

According to Murkomen, security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), successfully intercepted a contingent of these youths en route to Homa Bay. However, the Cabinet Secretary alleged that some individuals managed to circumvent this interception by traveling directly with Governor Orengo, thereby gaining entry into the county. Murkomen's remarks directly linked Orengo to these alleged activities, stating, "Orengo and Babu had mobilised goons from Nairobi, but the DCI intercepted them en route to Homa Bay. Some of the goons managed to sneak into Homa Bay because they walked with Orengo."

In a pointed critique of those advocating for international intervention in Kenya's political and security disputes, Murkomen appeared to direct his comments at individuals seeking global scrutiny of alleged political violence. He asserted that if the ICC were to become involved, Governor Orengo would face severe consequences, stating he would be "hanged even before the case is heard because he is known to be working with the worst goons in the country." This strong statement underscores the government's stance on the use of organized youth groups in political activities.

Murkomen's strong statements are set against a backdrop of escalating political tensions, particularly concerning allegations of organized youth groups being utilized to disrupt political events as the 2027 General Election approaches. The Interior CS also extended his criticism to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of raising the issue of political 'goons' for purely electoral motives.

Murkomen contended that incidents involving political violence and the deployment of hired youth groups were not new phenomena and predated the administration of President William Ruto. He suggested that if Gachagua were not vying for an elective position, he would not be vocal about the issue of 'goons.' Murkomen dismissed Gachagua's narrative that the problem of 'goons' originated with the current Ruto presidency as false.

To support his argument, Murkomen referenced specific incidents from the 2022 election campaign, including an attack on Ruto's campaign convoy in Kieni in 2021 and instances of violence in Kondele, Kisumu County. He questioned his own role during those 2021 events, asking if he was the Interior CS at the time. Murkomen also alluded to Gachagua's past actions, specifically mentioning the mobilization of 'goons' to steal from Uhuru's farm, and queried whether Gachagua was unaware of their negative nature. These remarks appeared to be a direct response to Gachagua's recent criticisms regarding the use of organized youth groups and his calls for government intervention on what he described as a growing security threat.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary defended his approach to broader security responsibilities, asserting that his focus was not on political disputes involving a small number of leaders. He emphasized that politicians, who constitute a minuscule fraction of the population, should resolve their disagreements within the confines of Parliament rather than involving ordinary citizens in political confrontations. Murkomen warned political leaders against mobilizing supporters in ways that could ignite wider unrest, stating, "For politicians, if you want to fight, you are free to exchange blows in Parliament, but don't bring it to the citizens so that you create a crisis."

These comments from Murkomen emerge as political parties and their leaders increasingly turn their attention towards the 2027 elections. Security agencies are under considerable pressure to ensure that political mobilization does not escalate into violence. The government has consistently cautioned political actors against recruiting or deploying youth groups to disrupt rallies or intimidate opponents. Conversely, opposition figures have accused the current administration of either tolerating or actively utilizing similar groups during political events, highlighting a contentious environment surrounding political conduct in Kenya.

Lawyers advising political clients or parties in Kenya should note the heightened rhetoric from the Interior CS regarding potential ICC prosecution for alleged political violence and mobilization of 'goons.' This signals increased scrutiny and potential legal risks, both domestic and international, for actions related to political conduct, especially as the 2027 General Election approaches.

Source: Original reporting via Kenyan news outlets