CS Murkomen Sparks Senate Uproar After Deflecting Questions on Ojwang’s Custodial Death: ‘Not My Problem

The session turned chaotic as senators from both sides of the aisle slammed Murkomen for what they called “a blatant attempt to shield police killers”, with Migori Senator Eddy Oketch shouting: “If the Interior CS won’t take responsibility for rogue officers, who will? Should we wait for more bodies?”

Key Flashpoints:

“Not My Job” Defense: Murkomen repeatedly redirected questions to Inspector General Japhet Koome, insisting oversight of police conduct was “an operational matter”—a response that triggered jeers from the gallery, and consequently even triggering Senator Bonny Khalwale say that CS Murkomen is not fit for the office.

Autopsy vs. Police Lies: Senators brandished the postmortem report showing Ojwang died from severe torture, contradicting IG Kanja’s earlier claim that the victim “slipped in a cell.” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna demanded: “Who gave the order to lie to Kenyans?”

Lagat’s Shadow Role: Murkomen dodged queries on why Deputy IG Eliud Lagat—who filed the initial complaint against Ojwang—has not been suspended despite evidence linking his unit to the arrest.

Fallout:
The session ended in disarray as Senate Speaker Amason Kinga warned Murkomen that “constitutional contempt” charges loomed if he continued stonewalling. Meanwhile, IG Kanja—left to face the heat alone—stammered through unconvincing explanations, admitting “procedural lapses” but offering no names of disciplined officers.

Reaction:
“This is the arrogance of impunity,” fumed Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo. “When a citizen dies in state hands, the CS’s job is to explain—not play docket football.”

What Next?
The Senate has vowed to summon DCI and IPOA chiefs after Murkomen’s “shameful performance,” with bipartisan motions now pushing for Lagat’s immediate suspension.