Isiolo leaders, led by Governor Abdi Guyo, have launched a scathing attack on Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of failing to contain escalating insecurity in the county. The leaders, who have been vocal supporters of President William Ruto's administration, expressed frustration over the continued armed attacks that have claimed lives, destroyed livelihoods, and left families living in fear. They contrasted Murkomen's performance with that of his predecessor, Kithure Kindiki, now Deputy President.
The criticism comes days after bandits laid an ambush on a police van, killing five people, including police officers. Guyo said Murkomen was failing in his responsibility and should take personal responsibility for the worsening insecurity. He urged Murkomen to visit affected areas instead of leaving residents to fend for themselves. Guyo also challenged Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo to use her parliamentary position to summon Murkomen and demand answers over the killings.
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated despite repeatedly raising security concerns with the national government. She said leaders had consistently passed information about insecurity to the Interior ministry, but little appeared to have changed. Bonaya cited the constitution, which places the responsibility of protecting citizens squarely on the national government.
The leaders' criticism exposes deepening local frustration over banditry, threatening regional support for President William Ruto. By contrasting Murkomen with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Governor Abdi Guyo's faction strategically isolates the ministry to shield Ruto's 2027 reelection bid from a mounting security backlash. The county assembly speaker, Abdullahi Banticha, delivered a tough warning, saying residents could be forced to consider protecting themselves if the government failed to provide adequate security.
Banticha said residents respected the government but were increasingly frustrated by what he described as its failure to protect them. Ngare Mara MCA Peter Losu said the worsening insecurity was undermining the government's political support in the region. He said insecurity was destroying livelihoods and affecting children's education.
Former Isiolo Governor and Senate aspirant Godana Doyo condemned the killings and called for urgent action to restore security. The leaders' remarks came as the county continues to experience frequent bandit attacks, which have resulted in the loss of lives and property. The situation remains a challenge for the government, with leaders demanding more action to address the issue.
Despite the frustration with the Interior ministry, Guyo said the county would continue supporting Ruto, arguing the President should not be judged by the performance of an individual Cabinet secretary. He cited infrastructure and electricity projects as examples of what he described as the President's achievements in the region.
Key points
- Isiolo leaders criticize Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen over rising insecurity.
- Leaders accuse Murkomen of failing in his responsibility to contain banditry.
- The criticism threatens regional support for President William Ruto's administration.
