Kenya: Murkomen Accuses Gachagua of Plotting Militia Ahead of 2027 Polls

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report from Nairobi dated July 23, 2026, reported that Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua of trying to organize a militia before the 2027 General Election. Murkomen said Gachagua’s recent comments about “protecting” votes went beyond ordinary election vigilance and risked encouraging illegal armed political groups.

The dispute followed Gachagua’s interview on KTN, where the former Deputy President said the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election had shown that citizens should not only cast ballots but also guard them until results are declared. He argued that the opposition had blocked alleged interference in that contest and said teams would be sent across the country to train voters on safeguarding the electoral process. He also questioned whether the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission could run a free and fair 2027 election.

Murkomen rejected that framing, saying the government would not permit any parallel force presented as vote protection. He warned young people against joining such groups and said security agencies would act firmly against militia activity. He also accused Gachagua of planning to use criminal elements against political opponents, while the article noted that the government has denied Gachagua’s claims that security agencies intimidated voters during recent by-elections.

The exchange highlights rising political tensions well ahead of Kenya’s 2027 polls. Election security, the role of state agencies, and opposition trust in the electoral commission are recurring issues in Kenyan politics, making public calls for voter protection and official warnings about armed mobilization especially sensitive.