Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi Speaking in a Past function. File Photo. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called for the resignation or dismissal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, accusing the two of failing in their constitutional responsibility to safeguard the country's internal security.
Speaking to journalists in his office on Monday, Mwangangi alleged that recent opposition political rallies had demonstrated that violence and police interference could be avoided if security agencies refrained from interfering with public gatherings.
He claimed that political meetings held over the last two days proceeded peacefully because there was no alleged interference by the Interior Ministry.
"We have seen the meetings of the last two days proceed peacefully because the police were not sent there by CS Murkomen and PS Omollo," Mwangangi said.
He contrasted the recent rallies with previous opposition meetings, which he claimed had frequently been disrupted by individuals he described as "goons" alongside police officers.
"Previously, meetings organised by politicians who disagree with the government have been disrupted by goons, and police have interfered with them. This time, we have seen the meetings proceed peacefully," he said.
The Deputy Governor accused the Interior Ministry leadership of being responsible for what he termed the misuse of security agencies and demanded that both officials vacate office.
"I want to take this opportunity to say that Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and his PS Raymond Omollo should leave office. It is now clear that they are behind the issue of goons in this country," he claimed.
Mwangangi further alleged that the two officials posed a threat to national unity and cohesion.
"They are the greatest threat to the unity of this country, to the cohesion of this country and to the statehood of this country. It is only right that they go home so that those who are ready to serve Kenyans can take over," he said.
He also challenged Murkomen to focus on his constitutional mandate rather than making frequent public pronouncements on security matters.
"The Interior docket is too important because it is responsible for internal security. We need leaders who respect the law, respect Kenyans and understand democracy—not people who merely make statements," Mwangangi said.
The Deputy Governor questioned why, in his view, political meetings associated with Kenya Kwanza leaders were able to proceed without disruption while opposition gatherings had allegedly faced interference.
"UDA and Kenya Kwanza leaders hold meetings everywhere without interruption, yet opposition meetings are disrupted by goons and police. That should not happen in a democratic country," he said.
Mwangangi maintained that replacing the current leadership at the Interior Ministry would help restore public confidence in the country's security apparatus and ensure equal treatment of all political players regardless of affiliation.
