Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen failed to honour two high-profile media appearances this week, raising questions about the government’s response to growing concerns over public safety and police accountability.
Murkomen had been scheduled to appear on Citizen TV’s Monday Report at 9:00 p.m. on June 16 to address the status of the National Police Service (NPS), but the interview did not proceed. The show’s host, Trevor Ombija, told viewers that the CS was reportedly held up in an official meeting.
The following morning, Murkomen was expected on NTV’s Fixing the Nation for a 7:00 a.m. interview focusing on the safety of Kenyans. However, NTV later issued a statement saying the appearance had been postponed.
“Rescheduled: Our conversation with CS Murkomen has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We are actively working to confirm a new date,” NTV announced.
Murkomen’s back-to-back absences come at a time when public scrutiny over his ministry’s handling of internal security is at an all-time high, following the death of popular teacher and digital content creator Albert Ojwang, allegedly while in police custody.
Criticism has intensified, particularly over the lack of immediate government action against officers implicated in the incident, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who has been directly accused of ordering Ojwang’s mistreatment.
While appearing before the Senate on June 11, Murkomen defended the government’s limited involvement, citing constitutional constraints that restrict the Interior Ministry’s direct influence over police operations.
He referenced Article 245(4) of the Constitution, which bars the Cabinet Secretary from directing the Inspector General of Police on investigations or enforcement involving specific individuals. The law also prohibits the CS from interfering in personnel decisions within the police service, such as hiring, suspensions, or dismissals.
“Our role as the Executive is restricted to setting policy and facilitating institutions like the NPS with resources,” Murkomen told lawmakers.
Despite those legal limitations, Murkomen announced a raft of measures aimed at reforming the police service in the aftermath of Ojwang’s death.
Key among them is a new recruitment policy focused on bringing in specialised officers equipped with modern policing strategies to enhance professionalism.
Additionally, Murkomen directed that every police station must install functional CCTV systems. The footage must be accessible in real-time to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and securely backed up to aid investigations and ensure accountability.
The two missed media appearances, coupled with heightened public pressure, have left many questioning whether the Interior Ministry is doing enough to address police abuse and restore public trust.
