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Interior CS Murkomen Moves To Court Seeking Removal from Petition on Abductions
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's bid to have his name removed from a petition on abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya raises critical questions about government accountability and the protection of human rights. Here's a breakdown of the situation
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has filed a legal application to have his name removed from a petition addressing the surge in abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya. The petition, filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, names Murkomen alongside the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the National Intelligence Service as respondents.
The petitioners are demanding accountability and explanations for the rise in abduction cases, which have alarmed civil society and the public.
Murkomen, who assumed his position on December 19, 2024, asserts that he has not formulated any policies related to the abductions and denies any involvement in these incidents. Through his legal representative, Danstan Omari, he emphasizes that the constitutional responsibility for protecting lives and property lies with the Inspector General of Police. He has also indicated plans to develop policies aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.
In a statement, Murkomen has condemned all forms of extrajudicial actions, including abductions, and has pledged that individuals responsible, whether government agents or civilians, will face the full force of the law. "No one is above the law," he emphasized.
To address the issue, Murkomen has indicated plans to convene a meeting with key criminal justice stakeholders, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Inspector General of Police. He has also committed to developing preventive policies to curb such incidents.
The High Court has directed Murkomen and Inspector General Japhet Kanja to appear on January 8, 2025, to provide explanations for the unresolved cases. This judicial intervention highlights growing concerns over human rights violations and accountability.
Murkomen’s legal bid to disassociate himself from the petition will be closely watched as a test of the government’s commitment to tackling enforced disappearances. Civil society groups have increased pressure on authorities to act decisively against these violations, which have created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
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