Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned public servants against referring to President William Ruto as “Kasongo” or chanting the anti-government slogan “wantam.”

Speaking in Narok on Monday, August 11, Murkomen said any public official, including security personnel, found using such slogans or engaging in political activities should be fired immediately, terming the conduct unconstitutional.

He stressed that public servants should prioritise understanding and implementing government policies in line with the oath they took to serve, while assuring that they still retain their democratic rights, including the freedom to vote for their preferred candidates in the upcoming general elections.

“There is no chief, assistant chief or police officer who will be tolerated when found speaking ill of the government because it is unlawful and unconstitutional, because when we get any security officer or public servant insulting the president or giving him nicknames such as Kasongo or singing ‘one term’, that public servant should be sacked immediately,” Murkomen said.

“I’m not saying because of this government, or even the next one, because if you choose to serve in the public service, you must respect the government that shall come, when it comes to voting, no one will prevent you from choosing whoever you want, but while serving the government, you cannot participate in campaigns or sloganeering.”

At a press briefing the same day, the Interior CS also cautioned Kenyans against sharing videos of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on social media, warning that his contentious comments could undermine the country’s political, social, and security stability.

Murkomen said the former DP’s recent statements — which he described as troubling — are being amplified online by users who may not fully grasp their potential consequences.

“It’s no longer a joke who the former Deputy President is at the moment, most of you share posts of his messages and so forth, you are the ones who are encouraging a person who is unwell to continue saying more things that are going to hurt our country,” Murkomen said.

While addressing a Democracy for Citizens Party event in Nyeri, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto held a secret meeting with Al-Shabaab operatives in Mandera, a town near the Kenya–Somalia border. He claimed the meeting raised major concerns over national security and the country’s counterterrorism strategy.

In response, Murkomen accused Gachagua of damaging Kenya’s reputation during his US visit, alleging that he made light of serious security issues.

“I want to say, without fear of contradiction, because he has said that he has information and he knows, and that he has an agent who is holding meetings with Al-Shabaab, as soon as he lands in Kenya, he must record a statement to tell us exactly which meetings he is having with terrorists,” Murkomen stated. 

Gachagua insists he was merely supporting the U.S. Senate’s decision to reassess Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

Kenya was granted MNNA status under the Joe Biden administration during President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington in May 2024—the first such visit in 15 years.