CS Murkomen referenced recent politically motivated violence in Nairobi, making it clear that authorities would not tolerate such behavior.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country, that is perpetuated by political leaders who mobilise goons to cheer for them, they carry rungus, and machetes. What happened here in Nairobi cannot be condoned. Those responsible shall be dealt with and face the law,” CS Murkomen said.
He added, “This must be done without fear, favour, and indiscriminately.”
Murkomen also voiced his concerns about how hired goons have increasingly made it difficult for chiefs to manage public events.
“We have discussed with the IG that the next most important issues to deal with in the next few months are to make sure that we deal with the issue of goons across the country,” he added.
The CS highlighted that many graduating officers had served for decades, some for over 28 years, without receiving any formal training since 1997.
“Chiefs are multipurpose officers to the government. They assist in farmer registration, support health promotion, and handle conflict cases in their communities. They are the most trusted public servants in the country,” Murkomen said.
Since August, the training program has equipped 5,892 chiefs and assistant chiefs with skills in induction, paralegal support, governance, human rights, conflict resolution and negotiations, community engagement, and security management.
The program also addressed some of the major national challenges facing the country, such as GBV, sexual offenses, drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, and security threats such as banditry and terrorism.
CS Murkomen hailed the officers as frontline heroes, noting that some had been abducted or others killed in the line of duty.
“They are the heroes, always at the front line,” Murkomen stated.
President William Ruto presided over the graduation ceremony, noting that NGAOs, especially chiefs and assistant chiefs, play a central role in the transformation of the country. He underscored that their work at the grassroots level proves crucial for the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The President explained that government programs in agriculture, MSMEs, digital innovation, housing, healthcare, and education heavily rely on administrators working in villages and sub-locations throughout the country.
He reminded the officers that their direct interaction with citizens positions them at the core of national development, stressing that government policies only produce real results when communities support and implement them at the local level.
“The stability the country continues to enjoy is largely a result of the dedication of NGAOs, the work of security agencies, and the resilience of communities,” he said.
He explained that BETA builds on the principle that genuine economic progress requires security, stability, and accountable local leadership.
According to the President, chiefs and assistant chiefs serve as first responders during emergencies, represent the government’s daily presence to millions of Kenyans, and provide the essential connection between the State and citizens in the most remote areas.
He called on them to increase their vigilance and strengthen their coordination with security teams to maintain the peaceful conditions that development requires.
