Tension hung thick in the air as political temperatures continued to rise across the country, with fresh questions emerging over the conduct of recent public gatherings. What began as routine political rallies has in recent weeks morphed into chaotic scenes marked by confusion, running battles and clouds of smoke billowing above crowds.
Leaders from across the political divide have traded accusations over who is responsible for the unrest that has disrupted several events.
While some have pointed fingers at security agencies, others insist that hidden forces are orchestrating disorder to discredit both the government and opposition functions.
Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has made explosive claims regarding the source of tear gas used during the rallies.
Speaking amid mounting criticism over police conduct, Murkomen distanced law enforcement officers from the canisters discharged during recent confrontations.
“It is very clear that somebody somewhere is giving out tear gas canisters to the wrong people who are using them in these rallies. I can tell you for sure it is not police officers using those tear gas,” he said.
The CS suggested that individuals outside official security structures could be in possession of police-grade equipment, raising serious concerns about how such materials are being accessed.
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He hinted at the possibility of an underground network supplying crowd control gear to unauthorized persons, though he did not name specific suspects.
Murkomen maintained that the National Police Service operates under strict command protocols and accountability mechanisms, arguing that any legitimate deployment of tear gas must be documented and supervised.
He warned that rogue actors infiltrating rallies with such equipment risk escalating tensions and undermining public safety.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the handling of political gatherings, particularly those linked to opposition figures.
In several instances, videos circulating on social media have shown individuals believed to be plainclothes operatives hurling tear gas canisters into crowds, fueling speculation about the identity of those involved.
Opposition leaders have accused security agencies of excessive force, while government officials have countered that certain groups are staging provocations to paint authorities in a negative light.
Murkomen called for thorough investigations to establish how tear gas canisters may have ended up in unauthorized hands.
Security analysts say the allegations, if proven true, would point to a significant breach in the control and distribution of crowd-management equipment.
They argue that accountability within supply chains is critical to prevent misuse.
As political activity intensifies, the Interior Ministry now faces the dual challenge of safeguarding constitutional freedoms while preventing unrest.
Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to lawful policing but insisted that blame should not be placed on officers without evidence.
The unfolding controversy is likely to heighten debate over security sector oversight and the integrity of public order operations in the months ahead.
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