Editor's Review
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have been summoned by the Senate over increasing incidents of abductions and hooliganism.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have been summoned by the Senate over increasing incidents of abductions and hooliganism in different parts of the country.
The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations wants the two security officials to explain the measures being taken to address the incidents, including the recent abduction of Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi.
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The decision followed a committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 10, where members raised concerns that the growing number of abductions was creating anxiety among Kenyans and threatening national security.
During the meeting, Chairperson, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, highlighted the situation in Isiolo County, where several people had reportedly been abducted.
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"We are experiencing so many abductions across the country. For instance, in a county like Isiolo, about 10 people have been abducted. This is shocking and is creating fear among Kenyans," she said.
The senators also cautioned that continued cases of abductions and hooliganism could tarnish Kenya's image internationally.
They warned that failure by the government to address the security concerns could have negative implications for the tourism industry.
In a separate matter, the committee resolved to summon Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho over his declaration that fish from Lake Nakuru was safe for human consumption.
Senators questioned the basis of Joho's announcement, arguing that it conflicted with professional assessments that had classified fish from the lake as unsafe to eat.
They raised concerns that issuing assurances without addressing the findings could put consumers' health at risk.
Dullo maintained that the committee supported previous expert recommendations against consuming fish from Lake Nakuru.
She also warned against public statements that contradicted professional guidance on matters involving public health.
Murkomen and Kanja are expected before the senators on Thursday, November 19, while Joho will appear on Thursday, November 26.
This development comes a week after human rights organisations and three individuals sued senior security officials over alleged failure to prevent escalating political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The petition was filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Katiba Institute and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), alongside Kwamchetsi Makokha, Mary Kambo and Elphas Osoro, who are also victims of political violence.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, October 28, KHRC, Katiba Institute and IMLU said they are seeking court intervention to compel security agencies to investigate attacks targeting political, civic and religious gatherings, identify those responsible and prosecute the alleged organisers, recruiters and financiers.
"The lawsuit names the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, the Inspector General of Police and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration as respondents," the statement read.
The legal action targets Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service Noordin Haji over what the petitioners describe as persistent failures to address organised violence.
The Attorney-General is also named as a respondent, while the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have been listed as interested parties.
"They accuse the officials of allowing violence targeting political, civic and religious gatherings to continue despite repeated warnings from senior government leaders. The petitioners say authorities have failed to intervene promptly, investigate cases effectively or secure prosecutions, enabling attackers to operate with impunity.
"The petition warns that the unchecked violence threatens Kenyans’ constitutional rights and undermines prospects for a free, fair and peaceful 2027 General Election," the statement added.
