“I Told Ruto Not to Appoint Murkomen” — Gachagua Reveals Private Warning After Kilifi Security Scare

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that he personally advised President William Ruto against appointing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to head the powerful Ministry of Interior, arguing that the position required a more experienced and politically neutral leader.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Gachagua said his concerns about Murkomen’s suitability for the security docket were raised long before the recent security breach involving President Ruto in Kilifi County. 

According to the former Deputy President, the latest incident has only reinforced fears he allegedly expressed during Cabinet discussions.

The remarks came in the wake of a security scare in Ganze, Kilifi County, where an individual managed to breach security and approach the presidential dais before officers intervened. 

The incident triggered a major review of presidential security arrangements and led to significant changes within the Presidential Escort Unit.

Gachagua revealed that when discussions about Cabinet appointments were taking place, he questioned whether Murkomen possessed the qualities necessary to manage one of the country’s most sensitive ministries.

According to him, the Interior Ministry requires a leader capable of handling complex security matters, overseeing intelligence operations, coordinating law enforcement agencies and maintaining national stability without allowing political interests to interfere with professional decision-making.

The DCP party leader argued that leaders with strong political ambitions may be tempted to use security institutions to advance personal political goals rather than serve the broader national interest. He claimed that this concern formed part of the advice he gave President Ruto during the appointment process.

Gachagua further stated that he believed Murkomen would have been more suitable in a ministry linked to youth affairs and sports rather than one directly responsible for internal security and public safety.

The former Deputy President also linked recent security incidents involving the Head of State to broader failures within the security management system. 

He questioned how ordinary citizens could feel secure if breaches continued occurring around one of the most heavily protected individuals in the country.

Referring to previous incidents where President Ruto faced security scares during public functions, Gachagua said the pattern raises serious questions about preparedness and coordination among agencies responsible for presidential protection.

He particularly highlighted the role of the President’s Aide-de-Camp and other members of the security detail, arguing that multiple layers of protection should make it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to gain close access to the Head of State.

According to Gachagua, the latest incident could have resulted in far more serious consequences had the individual involved carried a weapon or posed a genuine threat. He warned that such vulnerabilities must be addressed urgently before future public engagements.

Despite his criticism of the government, Gachagua maintained that President Ruto’s safety remains a national priority. 

He reiterated that political competition should be settled through elections rather than instability, violence or security failures.

Security agencies have since initiated internal reviews aimed at strengthening presidential protection protocols. 

The government has also announced changes within key security units as part of efforts to prevent similar incidents in future.