Murkomen Orders Extra Security for Journalists Covering Political Events

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to provide journalists with adequate security as the country goes towards the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking during a funeral service in Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday, September 3, Murkomen said journalists should be provided with enough security, particularly during political events, to ensure that they carry out their duties without fear as the country faces political pressure towards the general elections.

According to the CS, journalists have continued with their mandate of informing Kenyans on what is happening in the country as well as criticising the government in a good manner, and that should not allow them to be intimidated.

“Journalists do a very good job in informing the public as well as criticising the government in a good manner. We will ensure that adequate investigations are done, and those found culpable face the law,” Murkomen stated.

“And I want to tell the Inspector General, since we are going into the election period, journalists should be given adequate security so that when they do their job, they do it without fear,” he added.
 
While the press sometimes publishes unfavourable or inaccurate reports about public figures, including himself, Murkomen said violence and intimidation should never be used as a tool to silence them.

“The journalists sometimes write things about me, even the ones I have not done, but that should not give anyone the reason to intimidate them. There are responsible and legal channels to air my grievances,” the CS added.
 
Murkomen’s directives came two days after Standard Group’s Associate editor was abducted by armed men along the Gilgil- Nakuru Highway on Tuesday night, before being found dumped near Masinga Dam the following evening.

The CS condemned the abduction, stating that there was no room for journalists to be intimidated simply for doing their mandate.

He also commended the police for initiating swift investigations into the matter, noting that anybody found to have planned the abduction will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

With the country entering a high-stakes political season, the CS emphasised that media freedom is a cornerstone of democratic processes, which can only be achieved when reporters operate without fear of harm.

Journalists have previously raised concerns over the rising cases of assault during political rallies and public demonstrations, calling on the state to guarantee a safe working environment.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered immediate investigations into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Media Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was forcefully taken by armed men in Gilgil on Tuesday night.