Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen Seeks Exemption from High Court Petition on Abductions


By Dennis Wanyonyi
Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen has filed an application seeking to have his name removed from a petition filed at the High Court by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Senator Okiya Omtatah. The petition addresses the ongoing concerns over forced abductions and disappearances of young Kenyans.
Through his lawyers, Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi, Murkomen argues that he is not directly responsible for the alleged disappearances. The Cabinet Secretary contends that the National Police Service and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) bear the responsibility and should answer for the troubling incidents.
“Murkomen’s role as Interior CS is limited to policymaking and does not include issuing operational directives to the police or intelligence agencies. These institutions are mandated by law to protect Kenyans and must explain the disappearances,” said Omari during a press briefing.
Omari further emphasized that Murkomen, as a member of the National Security Council, serves only in an advisory capacity and should not be held accountable for operational matters.
Call for Police Accountability
Omari called on the police to provide answers to Kenyans regarding the fate of the missing individuals, noting that law enforcement agencies are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining public safety.
“Let the National Police Service and NIS take responsibility for explaining what has been happening. They have the operational mandate,” Omari stated.
Sam Nyaberi, also representing Murkomen, asserted that the Cabinet Secretary does not condone abductions and that any individuals found perpetrating such acts must face justice.
“The CS has no hand in these disappearances, and he does not support or shield any criminals involved in such heinous acts. Anyone engaging in abductions must be arrested and prosecuted,” Nyaberi remarked.
Court Orders Summons
The controversy stems from an earlier ruling by High Court Judge Bahati Mamuye, who ordered CS Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and National Intelligence Service Director Nordin Haji to appear in court on January 8, 2025. The officials are expected to address allegations of state involvement in forced abductions and to provide explanations for the missing individuals’ whereabouts.
The petitioners, including LSK and Senator Omtatah, allege that numerous young Kenyans have been abducted by individuals believed to be law enforcement officers. The case has drawn widespread public attention and increased calls for accountability within the government.
As the matter unfolds, tomorrow’s court mention is expected to shed light on the roles and responsibilities of government officials and agencies in addressing the growing cases of abductions and disappearances across the country.