Kipchumba Murkomen challenges Rigathi Gachagua to report alleged assault of 68 women by police
via Tuko2 min read
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly challenged former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to formally report to police the cases of 68 women he claimed were sexually assaulted by officers during the Ol Kalou by-election. Murkomen made these remarks on Saturday, July 18, at Tenwek High School in Bomet. Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party, had previously alleged that police sexually assaulted 68 women in Ol Kalou during the by-election. Murkomen demanded that Gachagua present the alleged victims to the nearest police station to record formal statements and enable prosecution, stating that playing politics with such serious allegations was unacceptable. He emphasized that the government would not shield perpetrators of gender-based violence but warned against using unverified claims for political gain. Murkomen's comments followed the ruling United Democratic Alliance's defeat in Ol Kalou, where Gachagua's party candidate secured a significant win. The CS concluded by cautioning against reckless public statements made during electoral competition.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
A group of Kakamega politicians, led by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, affirmed their support for President William Ruto's 2027 reelection bid. Speaking at a rally in Shinyalu constituency, they accused young politicians from the region of attempting to fragment the Luhya vote. Oparanya stated that he would not allow the division of Western votes and criticized some young leaders for engaging in abusive politics. He also dismissed pressure to leave the Orange Democratic Movement ODM, asserting his long-standing membership. Additionally, Oparanya addressed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, downplaying the significance of a recent by-election win and predicting Gachagua's defeat in 2027. Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and other leaders from Kakamega county also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding young politicians in the region to oppose the current government. They emphasized the Luhya community's unity and support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging the president to focus on development projects in the Western region.
Dennis Itumbi, the head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, reported evacuating 20 United Democratic Alliance UDA Party mobilisers from Rurii, Ol Kalou. He stated that the mobilisers reported threats and harassment, leading them to seek safety at a police station and later in hotel accommodation arranged by Itumbi. Itumbi expressed concern over what he termed a "troubling new brand of politics" in Mt Kenya, emphasizing that democracy relies on persuasion, not intimidation. He urged swift police action against those instigating violence and threats, and called for political actors to embrace opponents after election outcomes. These remarks follow heightened political tensions in Ol Kalou, which have included post-by-election violence and two fatalities.
Former Trade Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria has appealed to communities outside Kikuyu land for acceptance after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua declared him an outcast from the Kikuyu community. Gachagua, leading the Democracy for Citizens Party DCP, accused Kuria of fueling unrest in Mt. Kenya and inciting violence, particularly following the chaotic Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua stated that Kuria has caused pain and suffering, and has made "goonism a culture" in the region, advising President William Ruto on how to "persecute the mountain." Kuria's plea highlighted that he can no longer attend church services, weddings, funerals, traditional ceremonies, or business meetings within the Kikuyu community. This development underscores deepening political rifts in Mt. Kenya, with leaders allied to Gachagua accusing UDA lawmakers of planning unrest during the by-election.