Murkomen Tears Into Gachagua Over Teargas-Hiding Claims

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen blasted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a fiery speech where he accused the DCP leader of cowardice and clout-chasing while Raila Odinga faced tear gas head-on. The sharp exchange erupted on Saturday, June 27, 2026, during a public rally in Elgeyo Marakwet County as political temperatures rise ahead of future contests.

Murkomen stood before a massive crowd under white tents and delivered blows that cut deep into Gachagua’s recent complaints about security threats. He painted a picture of stark contrast between leaders who show up and those who duck for cover.

The cabinet secretary did not hold back. He pointed straight at the former number two and questioned his bravery in public.

Why does Murkomen compare Gachagua to Raila Odinga in street protests?

Murkomen said the veteran opposition leader showed real courage even in old age. Raila Odinga stepped forward into clouds of tear gas while others stayed safe at home.

“You compare yourself to Tinga,” Murkomen told the gathering packed with supporters waving flags. He reminded everyone how the Azimio chief pushed through danger at nearly 80 years old.

Murkomen then turned the knife. “You Gachagua have never even left your house. You run and hide under the bed and tell Mama Dorcas to check if anyone is coming.”

The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers as the words landed. Murkomen gestured wildly with his hands raised high at one point and pointed accusingly at another. He wore a patterned shirt that caught the afternoon sun while hundreds sat on the grass listening intently.

This latest clash stems from Gachagua’s repeated warnings about plots against him and claims of state-sponsored goons roaming the country. Murkomen dismissed those fears as pure drama designed to grab attention. He called Gachagua a serial maker of headlines who turns every national issue into his personal story.

Events unfolded quickly in recent weeks. Gachagua spoke out after reports of unrest linked to the second anniversary of Gen Z protests.

He demanded protection and pointed fingers at security agencies. Murkomen fired back during the Elgeyo Marakwet event and also earlier at Harambee House in Nairobi.

The interior boss accused Gachagua of fuelling ethnic divisions and organising chaos from the shadows. “The reason Gachagua fears me is that I know him and I know he is the father of violence in our country,” Murkomen declared to the attentive audience. He urged people to judge leaders by their service to the nation rather than tribal lines.

How did Gachagua respond to the hiding accusations?

Gachagua has not issued a direct reply to the negative comment yet, but his allies pushed back on social media, calling Murkomen out for personal attacks instead of addressing real security gaps.

Crowds in Elgeyo Marakwet reacted with mixed energy. Some chanted slogans supporting the current administration while others whispered about the drama unfolding live. Dust rose from the ground as people shifted positions under the hot sun. The scent of fresh grass mixed with excitement in the air.

Murkomen kept the pressure on. He warned that hiding tactics would not help anyone build real political capital. Leaders must face the people directly, he stressed, even when risks appear.

With 2027 elections on the horizon, old alliances shift and new battles emerge. Gachagua, who once served alongside Ruto, now criticises the government frequently. Murkomen hits back hard, portraying such moves as desperate attempts to stay relevant.

Residents in nearby areas like Iten and around the Rift Valley followed the news closely. Many wonder how far this war of words will go. Some fear it could spark real unrest, while others see it as typical pre-election noise.

Murkomen ended his address with calls for unity and calm. He asked the crowd to focus on development instead of division. Yet his sharp jabs at Gachagua stole the spotlight and spread rapidly across platforms.