Tag: CS Kipchumba Murkomen

KRA Slaps Kigame With Sh20 Million Tax Demand After Filing Petition to Prosecute Security Officials

Former presidential aspirant cries foul over timing of tax assessment, alleging political intimidation

Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP) Reuben Kigame has found himself at the center of a brewing controversy after receiving a tax demand from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) worth Sh20 million—just one day after filing a petition to prosecute top security officials over alleged human rights violations.

The blind musician and political activist took to social media on Saturday to express his dismay over what he perceives as suspicious timing, questioning whether the tax assessment is genuine or a form of retaliation for his legal action against government officials.

“Yesterday I received an email from a KRA official alleging I owe the government taxes worth Sh20 million. I make less than 200K in a good month,” Kigame stated, highlighting the stark disparity between his declared income and the alleged tax liability.

Kigame’s concerns about the timing appear well-founded.

The KRA email arrived just 24 hours after he filed a petition at the High Court seeking permission to initiate private prosecution of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for their alleged roles in extrajudicial killings during anti-government protests.

“Coincidence or fighting back my petition? I will not be intimidated,” the former presidential candidate declared, suggesting the tax demand may be part of a broader pattern of state harassment against government critics.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Kigame pointed out that as a registered person with disability (PWD), he is legally entitled to tax exemptions under Kenyan law. Despite this entitlement, he says he has voluntarily been paying taxes as a self-employed citizen.

“Note that as a PWD, I am entitled to a tax exemption, but I voluntarily pay my taxes. I am a self-employed citizen owed millions from music royalties by this same government,” he stated, turning the tables on the authorities by highlighting unpaid dues owed to him.

The tax controversy comes as Kigame pursues what he describes as a mission for justice on behalf of protest victims. His petition seeks to hold security chiefs accountable for what he terms “crimes against humanity” that resulted in over 100 deaths during the 2024 and 2025 anti-government demonstrations.

The activist has vowed to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the Kenyan judiciary fails to deliver justice, demonstrating his commitment to seeing the case through despite potential personal consequences.

This case presents a critical test of Kenya’s institutional independence. If the timing of the KRA assessment is indeed coincidental, it highlights concerning coordination issues within government agencies. If deliberate, it represents a troubling weaponization of tax administration against political dissent.

As Kigame faces this dual battle—defending himself against tax allegations while pursuing justice for protest victims, the eyes of civil society and international observers will be watching closely.

The outcome may well determine whether Kenya’s institutions can operate independently of political interference, or whether critics of the government can expect to face administrative harassment as the price of speaking truth to power.

The KRA and relevant government officials have yet to respond to Kigame’s allegations of political intimidation, leaving questions about the timing and legitimacy of the tax assessment unanswered.

August 2, 2025
Interior CS Murkomen Defends Terror Charges Against Protesters, Slams LSK For Supporting ‘Criminals’

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a scathing attack on the Law Society of Kenya, accusing the legal body of “siding with suspected criminals” while defending the government’s decision to charge protesters with terrorism-related offenses.

Speaking in Eldoret during his Jukwaa La Usalama public engagement forum on Wednesday, Murkomen expressed dismay at LSK’s role in securing lenient bail terms for individuals arrested during the June 25 and Saba Saba protests.

The CS argued that the legal association was trivializing serious crimes including arson and looting, which he categorized as acts of terrorism.

“I have seen the LSK leadership, and as a member, I totally disagree with those who want to make it lighter,” Murkomen stated.

“They want to make it look cheap when we say people who are burning courts, police stations, and businesses with petrol bombs are committing terrorist acts.”

The Interior CS took particular aim at LSK President Faith Odhiambo, accusing her of overstepping her mandate by questioning the quality of evidence presented in court before judicial determination.

“I saw the interview with the LSK President, and she was arrogating herself the role of a judge. How did she determine that the evidence we gave in court is not watertight? The question of threshold is for the court to decide,” he said.

Murkomen defended the application of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, describing it as “clear and unambiguous” in defining terrorist activities.

He listed orchestrating violence, endangering life, creating public safety risks, causing property damage, and using explosives as covered offenses under the legislation.

The CS urged the judiciary to resist public pressure when considering bail applications for terrorism-related charges, emphasizing that the rights of law-abiding citizens must be protected.

He challenged Odhiambo to choose between defending suspects or standing with Kenyans who lost property during violent demonstrations.

This confrontation highlights the growing tension between the government and legal practitioners over the handling of protest-related arrests, with the LSK maintaining that the terrorism charges are excessive and politically motivated, while the government insists they are necessary to maintain public order and protect critical infrastructure.

July 23, 2025
Senate Suspends Sitting As Murkomen Comes Under Fire During Grilling on Albert’s Death

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Senate suspended its regular proceedings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to focus exclusively on the death of digital blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen faced intense questioning from lawmakers demanding accountability.

The extraordinary Senate session saw Murkomen appear alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohammed, and IPOA Deputy Chairperson Anne Mwangi to address the national outrage surrounding Ojwang’s death at Nairobi Central Police Station on June 8.

Under pressure from senators, Murkomen pledged that the government would not shield anyone found culpable in the blogger’s death, describing the incident as “regrettable” and extending condolences to the bereaved family.

“We will do everything within the ministry to ensure that there is no interference, no shielding of any individual, and no cover-up,” Murkomen stated during his appearance before the Senate plenary.

The Interior CS promised to mobilize resources to ensure justice is served, but his assurances appeared to do little to quell the anger of lawmakers who have been demanding swift action since news of Ojwang’s death broke.

The session came amid growing calls for the immediate resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, whose complaint allegedly led to Ojwang’s arrest.

Senators have been particularly critical of Lagat’s role in the incident, with some calling for his arrest over the blogger’s death.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi allocated two hours for the special session, during which proceedings were broadcast live and media access was granted.

“This time will be used by the Senate to engage with the CS and his team,” Kingi directed, emphasizing the gravity of the matter.

The controversy intensified following an autopsy conducted by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia, which confirmed that Ojwang died from injuries consistent with a violent assault.

The examination revealed extensive head injuries, neck compression, and multiple trauma wounds, contradicting initial police claims that he had hit his head against a cell wall.

Ojwang, 34, was found unconscious in his cell at Central Police Station on Sunday morning and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.

The teacher and social media influencer had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay County on Saturday afternoon and transported over 400 kilometers to Nairobi.

The death has sparked nationwide condemnation, with human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, calling for thorough investigations.

The organization stated that “no Kenyan should lose their life in police custody” and emphasized the legal and moral duty of police officers to ensure the safety of those in their custody.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who petitioned the Senate to summon the security officials, led calls for accountability over what lawmakers described as “inhumane treatment” that resulted in Ojwang’s death.

The incident has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases of alleged police brutality in Kenya and comes at a time when President William Ruto’s administration faces mounting criticism over reports of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Inspector General Kanja confirmed that senior officers at Central Police Station have been interdicted pending investigations into the incident.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in Kenya’s criminal justice system.

The Senate’s decision to suspend regular business to focus on Ojwang’s death underscores the severity of the matter and the pressure on the government to provide satisfactory answers to a nation demanding justice for the slain blogger.

As investigations continue, the case has become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to addressing police brutality and ensuring accountability within the security forces.

June 11, 2025
Former Senior State Official Files ICC Complaint Against Interior CS Murkomen

A former high-ranking Kenyan government official has taken unprecedented action by filing a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over controversial political statements regarding the 2027 presidential election.

Dr. Peter Mbae, who previously served as Head of Government Delivery Services, has petitioned the Hague-based tribunal to investigate remarks made by CS Murkomen on April 14, in which he allegedly declared that President William Ruto would be re-elected in 2027 “under all circumstances.”

In his petition to the ICC prosecutor, Dr. Mbae expressed grave concern that such statements could potentially incite political tensions and lead to electoral violence similar to what Kenya experienced following the disputed 2007 presidential election.

“This letter has been officially forwarded to the ICC prosecutor requesting prompt and urgent intervention to examine the Kenyan situation,” Dr. Mbae stated in his petition.

“It is imperative to take action now to avert a recurrence of the 2007 post-election violence.”

Dr. Mbae’s actions reflect growing apprehension within certain political circles about rhetoric that may undermine electoral integrity as Kenya approaches its next general election.

Former Government Delivery Chief Peter Mbae.

His petition specifically highlights Murkomen’s reference to the 2007 presidential election, a poll that triggered widespread violence resulting in over 1,000 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans.

In a separate communication addressed to the Ministry of Interior on April 16, Dr. Mbae directly challenged CS Murkomen’s widely broadcast remarks.

“The statement was to the effect that the outcome of the 2027 Presidential Election is predetermined and that President Ruto will win under all circumstances,” Dr. Mbae wrote, adding that such assertions could only lead to the conclusion that “the current administration shall employ all means possible to ensure the outcome is as stated by the Cabinet Secretary.”

Dr. Mbae has called on CS Murkomen to publicly reaffirm the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027.

He also urged state authorities to provide assurances that Kenyan citizens will be able to participate in the process without fear of violence, intimidation, or suppression.

The former official maintains that ICC intervention at this early stage could serve as a crucial deterrent against potential human rights violations and crimes against humanity as Kenya prepares for its next electoral cycle.

May 17, 2025
Govt Introduces Special Number Plates For Electric Vehicles

The government has introduces green-coloured number plates for electric vehicles and boda bodas.

According to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen this is to encourage more motorists to switch to e-mobility.

He stated that charging infrastructure is also being set up at the Ministry headquarters.

“To promote faster adoption of EVs, we have begun the process of assigning green-coloured number plates to all electric vehicles, including two-wheelers,” Murkomen stated.

“Special plates will help raise awareness about EVs among the general public and encourage more people to consider switching to e-mobility. We are also setting up charging infrastructure at our Ministry headquarters.”

He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for the adoption of electric vehicles. This includes creating a comprehensive policy framework.

Furthermore, Murkomen stated that a proposal for a phased fleet replacement program for all government vehicles will be taken to Cabinet.

“We are taking to the Cabinet a proposal for a phased fleet replacement programme for all GoK vehicles from internal combustion engines to EVs. This will, in the long run, save taxpayers billions of shillings on fuelling and other maintenance costs, not to mention the immense environmental benefits that come from the shift.”

March 28, 2024
DP Rigathi Gachagua to Attend Memorial Service for Londiani Junction Crash Victims

DP Rigathi Gachagua will attend a special memorial prayer service for the victims of the tragic accident at Londiani Junction.

The service, which will be held on July 4, 2023, at Londiani grounds, will bring together the local community, clergy, and various guests including governors, senators, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.

Ms. Florence Bore, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, announced the memorial prayer service at the Kericho County Government headquarters.

She mentioned that a fundraiser would be held after the service to support the families of the victims.

Bore expressed condolences for the lives lost in the Londiani accident and emphasized the importance of coming together as a county and as a national government to provide a proper send-off for the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

Bore also stated that the government, through different ministries, would contribute to the cause. The Ministry of Health had already donated medicine supplies to hospitals in Kericho and Londiani.

In preparation for the prayer ceremony, Bore, together with Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho Members of Parliament, and Members of the County Assembly, held a consultative meeting. They also inspected the grounds where the memorial would take place.

Governor Mutai assured that the county government would cover the hospital and mortuary bills for the victims. He acknowledged that the majority of the affected individuals were ordinary workers, and the government wanted to support them by waiving all bills.

Mutai also praised traders at Kapkelek Centre who had already relocated from conducting business along the roadside to a designated marketplace that offered greater safety. He promised to construct a market for traders at Londiani junction.

The Kenya Red Cross Society Kericho Branch Coordinator reported that family contact tracing was ongoing at Londiani hospital. So far, 49 deceased persons had been positively identified by their family members. Additionally, 56 individuals were reported missing in hospitals and the Londiani Hospital Mortuary.

The accident at Londiani junction occurred on Friday evening and involved a trailer registered in Rwanda. It resulted in the tragic death of 52 people and left 32 others injured.

Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the accident scene and issued directives. He ordered the relocation of all markets along road reserves and instructed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to construct access roads to these markets.

Murkomen also directed relevant agencies to revise speed limits in the area, install bumps and signages, and include the dangerous section as a location for speed detection cameras. These measures would support the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.

Furthermore, Murkomen called for immediate road safety education and awareness programs by County Transport Safety Committees in all 47 counties, targeting traders, pedestrians, school children, and boda-boda operators.

The Ministry of Transport would also hold consultative meetings with the East Africa Community to guide the harmonization of motor vehicle inspections in the region. Murkomen urged all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads for their own sake and that of others.

July 3, 2023