Murkomen's Diplomatic Remarks On Rwanda Draw Uganda's Attention
Murkomen claimed that Rwanda was an autocracy where whatever President Paul Kagame says, goes, as compared to Kenya which enjoys the freedom of democracy.
Marvin Chege 
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson, Captain Mike Mukula, has called for immediate action to be taken against Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen following his controversial remarks on Rwanda made on Monday, December 18.
Murkomen, while speaking to Citizen TV's Trevor Ombija, claimed that Rwanda was an autocracy where whatever President Paul Kagame says, goes, as compared to Kenya which enjoys the freedom of democracy.
“There whatever the President says is the law. For every decision you make in this country you must go through a proposal then Parliament then public participation.”
“You cannot compare the political situation in Rwanda and the size of the country with our country and our democracy,” Murkomen urged Kenyans to desist from drawing political boundaries between the two nations.
President William Ruto held talks with Rwanda President Paul Kagame during their meeting at the Karen Office on September 12, 2022. /TWITTER.WILLIAM RUTO
Reacting to the developments, Mukula, a senior official in the party led by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, argued that Murkomen labelling Rwanda a dictatorial country was uncalled for.
"I wish to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent media attack on Rwanda by the Kenyan Minister of Transport and Roads. The comments made by the minister were not only uncalled for but also undiplomatic, and they go against the spirit of the East African community.
"As a concerned Pan-Africanist and strong supporter of a future East African political federation, I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations between our two countries. The East African community has always thrived on cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding. It is disheartening to witness such actions that undermine the principles we hold dear," Mukula stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Mukula warned that the media attack not only risks straining the relationship between Rwanda and Kenya but also undermines the trust built over years of collaboration.
He further called upon President William Ruto to get to the bottom of the matter through two ways; either crack the whip on CS Murkomen or issue an apology on behalf of the whole country.
"It is crucial to address this matter promptly to prevent any further damage to the bilateral relations between Kenya and Rwanda.
"Therefore, I kindly request an immediate intervention from the highest level of the Kenyan government. Such would not only demonstrate a commitment to diplomacy but also signify a willingness to rectify the situation and restore the trust between our nations," Mukula added.
Meanwhile, Murkomen's remarks sparked uproar with constitutional lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi leading in condemning the CS over the comments, indicating a lack of training among Cabinet Secretaries on how to handle matters from a diplomatic point of view.
“CS Murkomen can't attack a sovereign friendly state without provocation and disparage President Paul Kagame just like that. CSs must be taken through a crash course, teaching them the responsibilities that come with their new constitutional offices!” he remarked.
Hotelier Mohamed Hersi on his part highlighted that Rwanda was doing far better than Kenya noting “No police roadblocks like we do in Kenya which is nothing but a bribe collecting tolls. Rwanda deploys cameras both fixed and mobile managed by the incorruptible police force.”
“Fighting corruption yes we can deploy technology but a system is only as good as the people and that is the point where our paths with Rwanda separate,” he added.
Murkomen in a response however stated that he admired Rwanda's style of leadership which has made it possible for them to build good infrastructure, including a new airport.
He further argued that Kenya's style of leadership is too bureaucratic, which takes the country longer to make simple life-changing decisions.
"It’s not just Rwanda. Countries like UAE, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, among others, have a style of leadership that has delivered great success to their people because their leaders have the power to make firm decisions," he noted while responding to lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi.
"Instead of you crying about Rwanda please cry for your country. Help us deal with, for example, court orders that award a contractor Ksh 10B for claims and interests for a contract worth Ksh 2B or a road that stalls for 10 years because a competing bidder is still waiting for a decision of the court. Cry not for Rwanda, they are doing well. Cry for your country."
