KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H

Our vibrant democracy, backed by a robust Constitution, allows for free expression of political opinion that cannot be taken away by anybody. We will therefore take all measures to rein in divisive and incendiary political rhetoric, which is spreading hate and radicalization. This evening, I visited Madam Rachel Wandeto, who was attacked and injured for expressing her political opinion. The doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital informed us that she suffered significant burns and is getting the best care possible. I condemn this barbaric act that has no place in our society. Our investigative agencies are working hard to establish the motive and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous act. Whatever the motive, no Kenyan should go through such an ordeal because of her beliefs. We wish Rachel a quick recovery and grace to her family as they come to terms with this dreadful act. The Government, led by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto, will assist the family to ensure Rachel gets the best possible treatment. I was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials.

Our country abounds with sports talent. Every community has a star waiting to be discovered. Sports tournaments at the community level help to bring out these talents, promote cohesion and steer the youth away from negative behaviours. The OKM Foundation conceived the Cheraa Unity Cup to promote the talent and welfare of youth in Cherang'any Sub-County. The youth, both men and women, competed in volleyball and football, which culminated in today's finals. The highlight of the day was the thrilling contest between Kapsara FC and Sibanga FC that had to be settled at extra time in favor of Sibanga FC. Congratulations to Sibanga FC and all the teams that won prizes today. I thank my friend and colleague Hon. @HassanAliJoho for gracing our finals alongside fellow leaders Governor Wisely Rotich, Trans-Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, MPs Lillian Siyoi (Trans-Nzoia), Caroline Ng'elechei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess), Nelson Koech (Belgut), William Kamket (Tiaty), Rael Kasiwai (West Pokot), Timothy Toroitich ( Marakwet West) and Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North). Also present were former MPs Zipporah Kittony, Wesley Korir, Chris Wamalwa, former CS Susan Nakhumicha and MCAs, among other leaders. Government officials present were PSs Elijah Mwangi (Sports), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works) and Harry Kimtai (Mining), DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli, and Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim, among other officials.

The Cheraa Unity Cup finals are now underway at the Zion Transcend Stadium, Cherang'any, Trans-Nzoia County.

With my brother and colleague Hon. @HassanAliJoho and other leaders, we have arrived at Transcend Sports Academy in Cherangany for the Cherangany Unity Cup finals.

Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) complement our nation’s development priorities, especially the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. To facilitate a seamless transition of existing non-governmental organisations to the 2013 PBO Act framework, the government has extended the transition period for a further 12 months, effective 14th May 2026. We affirm our commitment to providing a facilitative and robust legal, regulatory and institutional framework for a thriving and impactful PBO sector.

I wish to thank the leaders of Marsabit and Wajir counties for putting aside their interests and finding an amicable solution to the impasse caused by the construction of a multi-agency facility in the region. During my meeting with the leaders today, we agreed to halt the construction of the facility and have the regional security teams select a new site. The establishment of the facility, meant to enhance security on the Isiolo-Marsabit-Moyale Road corridor and the larger region, will proceed once a new site has been identified. We continue to call on residents of the region to remain calm and peaceful.  Leaders from Marsabit County at the meeting were Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, Hon. Naomi Waqo, Hon. Col. Dido Raso, and Hon. Prof Jaldesa Guyo.   From Wajir County, the leaders present were Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, and MPs Hon. Fatuma Jehow, Hon. Adan Keynan, Hon. Abdi Saney, Hon. Aden Daud, Hon. Hussein Barre, and Hon. Yusuf Farah.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND BOOST SERVICE DELIVERY

STATEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MULTI-AGENCY SECURITY INSTALLATION ALONG THE MOYALE-MARSABIT-ISIOLO ROAD CORRIDOR.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration is a critical stakeholder in our country's electoral process. Among other roles, the Ministry is charged with the registration and issuance of identification documents that facilitate voter registration, maintaining law and order during campaigns and voting, supporting elections logistics, and voter registration. The Ministry and IEBC have a standing inter-agency coordinating mechanism that ensures effective voter registration and the delivery of peaceful, credible and verifiable elections. With our support, IEBC was able to register over 2.3 million new voters in the just-concluded Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise. We are also glad that the Commission conducted successful by-elections with the support of our security agencies and NGAOs. This morning, we held a consultative meeting with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on the 2027 election preparedness. The National Election Security Plan (NESP 2027) has been developed and is ready for adoption. We will also fast-track registration and issuance of ID cards before the next mass voter registration exercise, strengthen conflict management and peace building initiatives and intensify crackdown on criminal gangs. Accompanying me were PSs Dr. Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), Dr. Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services), IG Douglas Kanja, DIGs Eliud Lagat (KPS) and Gilbert Masengeli (APS), Director General- DCI Mohamed Amin, among other ministry officials. Present from IEBC were Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary Moses Sunkuli, commissioners and senior staff.

Congratulations my friend David Keter on your victory in the Emurua Dikirr by-election on a UDA ticket. Your triumph is proof that persistence pays. You were a man on a mission, and the mission has just started. Serve your people with the same humility and focus. Well done, Daniel Lolngojine and Festus Kirop for winning Porro and Endo ward seats in Samburu and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties, respectively. I wish you Godspeed as you embark on your journey in the public service. I commend all the candidates and voters in the three electoral units for conducting themselves peacefully and with decorum throughout the campaign period and on election day. The government is committed to ensuring that everyone can exercise their democratic right in an environment of peace, dignity, and tranquility.

We are taking targeted and bold steps in the fight against drug and substance abuse, including investing in research to strengthen evidence-based interventions. Today, I presided over the launch of a report on emerging psychoactive substances and illicit drug use in Kenya. The study by @NACADAKenya strengthens our capacity to safeguard public health, enhance national security, and anchor our policies firmly in evidence. The ’Wastewater Analysis to Assess Emerging New Psychoactive Substances and Illicit Drug Use in Kenya’ reveals alarming levels of substance exposure in the country and underscores the need for our urgent interventions. To reverse this trend, we are establishing a National Drug Surveillance and Early Warning System across all 47 counties, enhancing the capacity of the Government Chemist with advanced analytical technologies, and scaling up intelligence-led policing to disrupt trafficking networks. These measures complement our other ongoing efforts, including improving detection, disrupting drug production and distribution networks, and intensifying the crackdown on perpetrators and their abettors. Present were Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, NACADA Board Chair Dr. Stephen Mairori, and CEO Anthony Omerikwa, among other stakeholders.

Kenya is honoured to host the United Nations Office at Nairobi, the only UN headquarters in the Global South, and welcomes its ongoing expansion. This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting with the UN family in Nairobi, led by the new Resident Coordinator, Dr. Garry Conille. Our discussions focused on deepening collaboration across several priority areas, including election preparedness, the fight against drugs and substance abuse, counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, gender-based violence and capacity building. I also apprised the team of the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, a critical initiative to address the demands of the city's growing population and strengthen its standing as a leading diplomatic and high-security hub. Also present were United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Representative for Eastern Africa Ali Farouk Elbereir, UN Women Kenya Country Representative Antonia N'Gabala-Sodonon, and Country Director UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Charles Kwemoi. Others were Head of the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism Sylvia Kabaki, Deputy Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme Madelena Monoja, United Nations Institute for Training and Research Senior Program Specialist Stefano Ghirardi, and UN Peace and Development Officer Prisca Kamungi.

We are committed to strengthening partnerships with private sector players, both at home and beyond, to drive our development agenda. Met with a team from IN Groupe led by the CEO Agnès Diallo, who paid me a courtesy visit following their participation in the just concluded Africa Forward Summit. Our discussions centred on exploring collaborative opportunities in innovation aimed at enhancing service delivery.

To sustain peace and stability, regular consultation with leaders is essential. This afternoon, I held a meeting with Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali at our Harambee House office. Our discussion focused on development, security and cohesion in the county.

We continue to stand in solidarity with all the families affected by the tragic gold mine collapse in West Pokot County. As the search and rescue operations conclude, we are sending humanitarian support, including medical assistance, food supplies and other essential items, to support the affected community. We will also foot the medical bills of those injured, cover burial and funeral expenses for bereaved families, and support the affected households to rebuild their livelihoods. I call upon artisanal miners across the country to adhere to safety guidelines as the Government streamlines the sector to enhance safety and protect lives. In Morita, West Pokot County, we condoled with families who lost their loved ones following the tragic collapse of a gold mine and assessed the state of security and service delivery in the area. We are consolidating the gains we have made in restoring peace and security in the county and the larger Kerio Valley by opening up the region, supporting alternative livelihoods and bringing government services closer to locals. With me were Deputy Inspector General (APS) Gilbert Masengeli and West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni. West Pokot leaders present included Governor Simon Kachapin, MPs Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) and Rael Kasiwai (County) and MCAs, among other leaders.

We are at Morita, West Pokot County, to condole with the families that lost their loved ones during the recent tragic collapse of a gold mine. We will also assess the state of safety and security in the area.

Congratulations, @policebullets on being crowned the 2024/25 FKF Women’s Premier League Champions for the third consecutive season. Your triumph is a powerful statement of hardwork, resilience and discipline, values that reflect a modern and people-centred Police Service. We are proud of your continued inspiration to young girls and aspiring athletes across the country. As a Government, we remain committed to supporting sports development in our institutions. #PolicingThroughSports

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." Zechariah 4:10 This afternoon, we worshipped at the Destiny Life Church in Athiru Ruujine, Igembe Central Constituency, Meru County. We glorified and exalted the Name of the Lord and we were immensely uplifted by a sermon delivered by Rev. John Muiruri. Present with us were MPs Daniel Kiili (Igembe Central) , Elizabeth Karambu (County MP), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Caroline Ng'elechei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated) and MCAs, among other leaders. Government officials present included Meru County CommissionerJacob Ouma, County Police Commander Moses Mutisya, County AP Commander Kipkemoi Chelule and other officials.

We are currently atttending church service at the Destiny Life Church in Athiru Ruujine, Igembe Central Constituency, Meru County.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." —Proverbs 31:25. Joined the Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi and other leaders and faithful of St. Peter's Cathedral, Kapsabet, for Holy Mass and resource mobilisation towards the development of the church’s infrastructure. I commend the church, the local community, and leadership for working closely with our county security team in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse, which has seen the menace reduce significantly in the county.