Murkomen Defends CDF Kahariri's Comments On 'Ruto Must Go', Calls Out Gen Z
Murkomen came to the defence of Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji who criticized the movement that Kenyan youth have upheld since last year’s protests against President William Ruto’s government,
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday, March 30, explained why Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri was right to make comments in response to Kenyans engaging in the 'Ruto Must Go' chants, exercises, or regime change attempts.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Makutano Church in Meru County ahead of President William Ruto's tour, Murkomen came to the defence of Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji who criticized the movement that Kenyan youth have upheld since last year’s protests against President William Ruto’s government.
The duo, however, drew backlash for their political involvement despite holding national positions. CS Murkomen, however, opined that the youth should pay attention to their guidance and avoid “social media debates,” which he warned could threaten Kenya’s political stability.
“If we are going to become a country that has order, forget about this thing of answering the Chief of Defence Forces and the NIS Director-General. Those two gentlemen are speaking from information and are warning you about the future of your country. You are making social media arguments here, and politicians speaking out here and there,” Murkomen told the congregation.
Collage of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri. /FILE.KENYA DEFENCE FORCES
“The future of a country needs order, otherwise, there is a reason why this country is at peace. We could just as easily be in the same situation as our neighbours. We are not too special, we could be sitting in a refugee camp in another country.” The minister reinforced Kahariri’s statement on ousting political leaders, emphasizing that youth should follow constitutional procedures.
“During elections, there is how to remove someone from office. There is also impeachment and jails if someone breaks the law,” Murkomen said.
CDF Kahariri's remarks drew controversy after he responded to the 'Ruto must go' chants that have been a common feature since the June-August 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations. On Thursday, March 27, Kahariri urged Kenyans chanting 'Ruto Must Go' to ensure their actions align with the Constitution.
While speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi on Thursday, March 27, General Kahariri emphasized that the military would not be involved in any attempts to overthrow a legitimately elected government.
“We can’t have anarchy in the country, even as people exercise their rights, it should be within limits and within bounds, such that we cannot allow ourselves to exercise our rights to the extent of tearing apart the country,” said Kahariri.
He continued, “In the military, one of our core values is that we are apolitical, we don’t support any political side. We defend the constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. So, when people decide they are tired of this government, yet they voted for it and say ‘must go’, it must be done according to the constitution.”
Warning To Chiefs
At the same time, Murkomen issued a warning to chiefs and administrative officers in areas where illicit brews and narcotics are being sold, stating that the government will terminate their employment, and emphasized that the government will not allow thousands of youths to perish due to illicit substance consumption.
The CS announced that the government will launch a crackdown on chiefs and their assistants in regions where illegal brews are being sold. He urged administrative officers to follow the example of their predecessors under former Kenyan presidents, who were strict in enforcing regulations.
"The reason why the government has chiefs and their assistants in every corner of the country is to enable it to have a know of all that is ongoing. It cannot be possible that illicit brews will be sold in any village without their knowledge," Murkomen asserted.
"We have said that should we get information of illicit brews trading and narcotics in any location where an administrative officer is in and they fail to report, and without a written report for reinforcement, that chief will lose his job."
Murkomen On 'Hateful' Messages On Social Media By Gen Z
Murkomen also expressed concern over the mental health challenges facing young people, especially those who post hateful messages on social media, linking these struggles to substance abuse, particularly drug and alcohol addiction.
“Most of the young people who are writing hateful messages on social media—most of them are struggling with mental health, which has been caused by abuse of drugs and abuse of alcohol,” Murkomen said.
He highlighted that, in some cases, these young individuals are severely impacted, often withdrawing at home and using their phones to vent their frustrations online.
“Sometimes, as an adult, you might search for someone who has insulted you on social media only to discover it’s a severely troubled young person, locked away in their house, using their phone to insult others because they’re looking for attention,” he added.
Most of the young people who are writing hateful messages on social media are struggling with mental health, which has been caused by abuse of drugs and abuse of alcohol- CS Kipchumba Murkomen#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/fQmUzioyRV — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) March 30, 2025
Murkomen encouraged the public to remain alert to the harmful effects of substance abuse in their communities, emphasizing its link to mental health issues. He also urged individuals to take action if they witness harmful behaviors in their neighborhoods.
“I want to urge you: if there’s a woman selling illegal alcohol or a businessman promoting substance abuse in your area, don’t stay silent. Report it to the authorities. Speak to your chiefs,” Murkomen urged.
