Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that two Cabinet Secretaries in President William Ruto’s administration are involved in an alleged drug trafficking scheme, terming the allegations baseless and politically motivated.
Murkomen was responding to claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that two Cabinet Secretaries were actively involved in drug networks, raising concerns over the government’s commitment to combating drug and substance abuse.
In an interview last October, Gachagua accused the government of failing to seriously address the growing drug menace, arguing that President William Ruto’s appointment of officials allegedly linked to drug trafficking undermined efforts to curb the vice.
“Drug and substance abuse are back in the country. I knew a long time ago that the government was not committed to ending this drug abuse menace in this region,” Gachagua stated.
The DCP Party leader further claimed that despite the allegations, the President went on to appoint two Cabinet Secretaries he accused of being linked to drug trafficking, asserting that Kenya had become unique globally by having what he termed “two drug barons” sitting in Cabinet.
However, CS Murkomen strongly refuted the claims, insisting they lacked any factual foundation.
Speaking on Monday, January 12, during an interview on Citizen TV, Murkomen emphasised that all Cabinet Secretaries undergo a rigorous vetting process before assuming office.
“There is a clear and thorough process of vetting all public servants, including Cabinet Secretaries. If there had been even an iota of proof to support such allegations, none of us would be holding public office today,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen further accused Gachagua of lacking the moral authority to lecture Kenyans on issues of drug and alcohol abuse, citing what he described as a poor track record during Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President.
According to Murkomen, Gachagua’s frequent public outbursts were an attempt to mask incompetence, alleging that the former Deputy President demonstrated little understanding of government operations while in office.
“When it comes to discussions on drugs and alcohol abuse, the last person who should lecture Kenyans is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua because his record is dismal,” Murkomen stated.
“I have never seen a more incompetent public servant who understood no single subject in government operations. The reason you see him ranting all the time is to cover up his incompetence,” he added.
During the interview, Murkomen cautioned political leaders against making unverified accusations, warning that such remarks risk undermining public trust in government institutions and diverting attention from genuine efforts to combat drug abuse and organised crime.
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