Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a strong critique of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging tribal bias, policy ineptitude, and the exploitation of drug and alcohol abuse initiatives for personal benefit.
In a candid interview on January 12, 2026, Murkomen addressed Gachagua’s track record directly. He remarked, “It is unfortunate that the Deputy President of Kenya addresses drug issues solely from a local perspective, focusing on his village or region.” Murkomen emphasized the necessity for national leaders to confront challenges on a broader scale.
He stated, “As a Deputy President, I cannot limit my discussions to drug issues in specific areas like Elgeyo Marakwet or Eldoret. My responsibility, as a Cabinet Secretary, is to combat drug and alcohol problems throughout the nation, regardless of their location.”
Murkomen highlighted progress in drug control efforts, noting, “Mombasa, once notorious for drug trafficking, has seen a decline in such activities due to ongoing government initiatives.” He credited these improvements to consistent efforts across various administrations, including operations during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. “I was present with President Uhuru when we conducted significant operations, such as destroying a drug-laden ship off the coast of Mombasa,” he added.
Regarding Gachagua’s approach, Murkomen criticized what he perceived as a tribalistic mindset. “The unfortunate aspect of the former Deputy President is his fixation on tribalism in addressing issues like education and substance abuse, viewing everything through a narrow, personal lens,” he asserted.
Murkomen accused Gachagua of using his position to extort money from businesses seeking alcohol licenses, claiming that entrepreneurs had to meet him personally for approvals. “It is evident that his actions were aimed at personal gain. To obtain a license, one had to approach him directly,” Murkomen alleged, painting a picture of corruption during Gachagua’s administration.
He dismissed Gachagua’s rehabilitation initiatives as ineffective. “The so-called rehabilitation scheme lacked tangible results; no rehabilitation centers showed evidence of support or success, merely expenditures without visible outcomes,” Murkomen stated.
Furthermore, he questioned Gachagua’s competence. “The most concerning aspect of the former Deputy President is his lack of understanding of government operations and policy,” Murkomen remarked. “His frequent outbursts seem to mask his inadequacies.”
In conclusion, Murkomen asserted, “When discussing drug and alcohol abuse, the former Deputy President is not a credible source, as his record in public policy is notably poor, rendering him an unreliable reference.”
