Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had a long day deflecting questions from his former Senate colleagues who dismissed him as unsuitable to hold his powerful position for failing to stop killer police officers. 

Murkomen, who in the last Senate represented Elgeyo Marakwet, pensively sat in the chambers as his character was torn apart by senators demanding answers on the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in a police cell.

The day started with Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale moving a motion that the Senate suspend its proceedings to allow senators to interrogate Murkomen and other security bosses, regarding the safety and well-being of suspects in police custody, and in particular, circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

Khalwale, not mincing his words, said the patriots fought against detention without trial and will also fight against extrajudicial killings, especially in police custody as he demanded Murkomen’s resignation.

He charged that the CS was not fit to hold the Interior docket and for the respect of Ojwang’, he should resign. “The CS, my question is this. The DIG (Deputy Inspector General Eliud) Lagat went against provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution, went against the provisions of the National Police Act, specifically Section 17 and in general the Leadership and Integrity Act, you as a member of the National Security Council where you sit together with the Inspector General of Police, why have you found it difficult to advise the necessary authorities that Lagat be dismissed from service?” posed Khalwale.

He added, “Please, I beg you… it is not personal and if you think I am joking, you are a well-read man. You know that in 2011 in Tunisia, a street hawker was killed and people came to the streets and the government of President Ben Ali was overthrown. You truly do not know what you are playing with, please resign you cannot be an inspiration to be in Cabinet.”

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the buck stops with Murkomen and he should be the first to resign. He said a few weeks ago, the CS flew to Nandi when Father Allois Cheruiyot was killed and told the family he knew the killers at a time when other people had been killed in Barrikoi.

“The nation has seen the incompetence of CS Murkomen on this matter and if anyone has to resign, it must start with him,” he said.

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu also questioned the CS, wondering whether Lagat still has to remain in office, given the circumstances. “Would the whole Police Service crumble just because DIG Lagat steps side? We have seen senior people stepping aside to allow for investigations,” Nyutu said.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ demanded to understand whether the CS had issued any directions on the matter or any policy directives in writing to deal with the ‘bad elements’ in security forces.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua called out the CS over what he described as incompetence for failing to stamp authority adding that he should have been the first person to ensure heads roll.

“To the CS, you are our colleague so much so that we actually have you in one of our social forums where we discuss our social issues. My brother, when the country was faced with similar circumstances when you served with us here you took a very firm position. I remember the day you were seated there, digging into the character of the then Regional Commander George Natembeya because you believed he was doing certain things that were not right,” Wambua said.

“To hear you today say that you had no eyes on matters security is a big betrayal to what we, as leaders stand for, it is actually a shame. CS Murkomen, you can and must be the first person demanding answers even before we bring you here. We are demanding that heads roll within senior officers. This matter is so grave that we cannot limit time for this,” said Wambua.

But the CS said he will not succumb to pressure, affirming that he is focused on fixing the challenges facing the National Police Service. “I know I have been asked whether I should run away from this responsibility. For the six months I have been in this office, the energy I have put to revamp the ministry gives me hope that in the near future we will see the fruits,” the CS said.

He said he has not asked DIG Eliud Lagat to resign because the matter is still under investigation, noting that he only took a step to report what he thought was a crime committed against him.

Murkomen said it is not his responsibility to charge him but that rests on independent oversight authority if they find any culpability.

“I know in moments like this, like other who went before me and other with different responsibilities, these are the moments that the duty to serve overrides the condemnation to throw in the towel. It is important that as a leader, when faced with a challenge, you provide solutions. If you become the kind of leader who runs away from solutions, then you miss that opportunity,” he affirmed.

He added, “I know of a particular senator who never even waited for two months. His national song is ‘Murkomen Must Resign.’ Mr Speaker, I am used to that song.”

The Senators decried the loss of a young life and called the CS to account, even as they questioned the motive of the murder and the need for deep interrogation.

From questions requiring him to explain his silence on the matter since it was reported on Sunday to others demanding that he resigns immediately to others plainly stating he is unfit to hold office, Murkomen had a tough time trying to convince his former colleagues that he was capable of leading the Interior docket.