Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has made it clear that no public servant should openly oppose the government of the day, warning that such conduct is both criminal and unconstitutional.
Speaking on Monday during the Jukwaa la Usalama Narok chapter, Murkomen stressed that anyone serving in public office must work with the current administration, regardless of their personal political opinions.
“Hakuna chief, or Assistant Chief, or a police officer, atapatikana akiongea mambo against the government of the day. Hakuna. It is illegal and unconstitutional,” he said, making it clear that such actions would not be tolerated.
Murkomen explained that public servants have a duty to remain neutral and avoid political activism, adding that partisan slogans or insults directed at the leadership have no place in public service.
He pointed out that it was wrong for government officers to engage in politics while still serving.
“Tukipata police officer anatusi rais, anaimba slogans za siasa, na ati bado anataka kuserve the government of the day…na anaongea huko ati ako na political right…,” Murkomen stated.
“Anaita President Kasongo…ama anaimba vitu za ‘one term’…that police officer or public servant should be fired immediately.”
Murkomen emphasized that this principle is not about defending the current administration alone, but about maintaining respect for whichever government is in office.
“And I’m not saying because of this government, even the previous government and the government to come…lazima ukichoose to serve in public service, you must respect the government,” he said.
He noted that voting is a private right for every citizen, but campaigning or taking part in political sloganeering while in office is unacceptable.
“Utapiga kure penye utapigia, na hakuna mtu atakuuliza…but you cannot participate in campaigns and sloganeering,” he said.
The Interior Secretary further stated that public officials should focus on understanding and implementing the government’s policies, rather than engaging in political disputes.
“Yours is to understand the government of the day, policies of the day and their implementation,” he said, insisting that public service requires loyalty to the system in place, not political agendas.
Murkomen’s comments came in the wake of the dismissal of Jackson Kuria, also known as ‘Cop Shakur,’ a warder at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
Kuria was reportedly fired for criticizing the President Ruto government and openly supporting the Gen Z-led protests. The case has sparked discussions on the balance between a public servant’s freedom of expression and the legal obligations that come with their role.
