By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 23 July 2026 - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the performance of the National Police Service, saying sustained investments in policing, forensic technology and intelligence have made Kenya one of the safest it has been in recent years.
Speaking during the launch of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS-ABIS Version) and the handover of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) certification to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU), Murkomen dismissed criticism of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing Kanja directly, Murkomen said the Inspector General continued to enjoy public confidence.
"There is no pending impeachment against you. It means, as the Inspector General, you have the trust of the people of Kenya," Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary credited the government's investment in modern policing and security infrastructure for the country's improved security record.
"Kenya is safer and more secure than ever before. There has never been a period with fewer incidents of terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities than now. The statistics speak for themselves," he said.
Murkomen also highlighted the government's digital transformation of security services, saying the newly launched biometric system will significantly improve service delivery.
According to the Interior Ministry, the system has been rolled out in all 52 Huduma Centres, reducing the processing time for Police Clearance Certificates from 14 days to just 24 hours.
He added that integrating the platform with other government institutions would enable quicker identity verification, real-time intelligence sharing and stronger cross-border security cooperation.
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The CS said the accreditation of the DCI's forensic laboratory places Kenya among regional leaders in forensic science and strengthens the country's criminal justice system through internationally recognised standards.
Murkomen also rejected allegations made by Gachagua that women were sexually assaulted during the recent Ol Kalou by-election, calling on anyone with credible evidence to report the incidents to the police.
He urged medical practitioners who may have treated alleged victims to record statements to assist investigations and possible prosecution.
The Cabinet Secretary further welcomed what he described as growing national consensus against criminal gangs, saying religious leaders had joined calls for tougher action against organised criminals.
"Police, you know your job and you have our support. Deal with these goons. It is your duty to make our country safe," he said.
Murkomen also criticised remarks by Gachagua referring to some Mt Kenya leaders as "traitors", warning that such language risks fuelling ethnic profiling and political divisions.
He called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to act firmly against statements that could incite hatred or undermine national unity, warning that any unlawful groups formed along ethnic or political lines would be dealt with in accordance with the law.