Speaking before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Murkomen said that investigations into the incident had made significant progress, with some suspects already identified through images circulated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“The DCI circulated the pictures. As you said, some of them presented themselves. Three of them presented themselves,” Murkomen told lawmakers.
“The rest of the 13 or 14 ran out of the country to the neighbouring country,” he said.
Cross-border pursuit underway
According to the CS, Kenyan authorities are now working closely with security agencies in a neighbouring country to locate and apprehend the suspects. He expressed confidence that all those involved would eventually be brought to justice.
“The Inspector General and the DCI are working with authorities across the border. As soon as they step back into the country, they will all be arrested,” Murkomen stated.
While he did not disclose the specific country the suspects are believed to have fled to, the CS emphasized that coordination between security agencies remains active and ongoing.
Government sends strong warning
Murkomen said the government intends to use the case as a clear warning against political violence, which has been a recurring concern as the country approaches the next election cycle.
“I hope that will be the first example to show that violence doesn’t pay,” he said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to restoring order and accountability.
The remarks come days after Senator Osotsi recounted the ordeal, describing how he was attacked in Kisumu by a group of youths while at a barber shop.
According to the senator, the attackers approached him while shouting his name before turning violent and assaulting him until he lost consciousness.
Osotsi linked the attack to his political stance, claiming that the assailants questioned his position regarding President William Ruto’s leadership.
Challenges in policing political gatherings
Murkomen used the incident to highlight broader challenges facing security agencies, particularly in managing political gatherings where large crowds often gather.
“There’s a thin line between a criminal and political supporters,” he said, explaining the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine supporters and individuals intent on causing harm.
He told the committee that politicians cannot always guarantee the conduct of individuals they mobilise for rallies, noting that some may exploit such events to engage in unlawful activities.
“Can you for sure tell this House that you will not mobilise criminals to accompany you to the rally? You cannot say with certainty,” he posed.
The CS further explained that many supporters travel from different regions to attend political events, making it difficult for law enforcement to act preemptively.
“Before they commit a crime, you cannot say I arrest them preemptively,” he said.
Escalation of violence at events
Murkomen also warned that in some cases, individuals arrive at events unarmed but are later supplied with weapons, escalating tensions and increasing the likelihood of violence.
“Sometimes they come empty-handed. Reaching there, somebody supplies rungus and so forth,” he noted.
He stressed that policing alone may not be sufficient to fully address the issue, particularly during large rallies where rival political groups converge.
“This issue can only be sorted not by the police,” he said, pointing to the complexity of managing crowds and preventing clashes.
Rising concerns ahead of 2027
The attack on Osotsi has added to growing concerns about political violence in Kenya, especially as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Osotsi linked the attack to his political stance, claiming that the assailants questioned his position regarding President William Ruto’s leadership.
Challenges in policing political gatherings
Murkomen used the incident to highlight broader challenges facing security agencies, particularly in managing political gatherings where large crowds often gather.
“There’s a thin line between a criminal and political supporters,” he said, explaining the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine supporters and individuals intent on causing harm.
He told the committee that politicians cannot always guarantee the conduct of individuals they mobilise for rallies, noting that some may exploit such events to engage in unlawful activities.
“Can you for sure tell this House that you will not mobilise criminals to accompany you to the rally? You cannot say with certainty,” he posed.
The CS further explained that many supporters travel from different regions to attend political events, making it difficult for law enforcement to act preemptively.
“Before they commit a crime, you cannot say I arrest them preemptively,” he said.
Escalation of violence at events
Murkomen also warned that in some cases, individuals arrive at events unarmed but are later supplied with weapons, escalating tensions and increasing the likelihood of violence.
“Sometimes they come empty-handed. Reaching there, somebody supplies rungus and so forth,” he noted.
He stressed that policing alone may not be sufficient to fully address the issue, particularly during large rallies where rival political groups converge.
“This issue can only be sorted not by the police,” he said, pointing to the complexity of managing crowds and preventing clashes.
Rising concerns ahead of 2027
The attack on Osotsi has added to growing concerns about political violence in Kenya, especially as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Analysts warn that such incidents, if not addressed effectively, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
He urged political leaders to promote peaceful engagement and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence.