Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has called out former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his remarks on youth, accusing him of hypocrisy and sudden wisdom after leaving office.
This is after Kenyatta while delivering the keynote address at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit 2025 at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda called on African youth to fight for good governance and shun short term political gains.
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Describing the rise of Gen Z as an “independence moment,” he said the youth are the last line of defense in the battle to preserve the heart and soul of Africa for the sake of future generations.
In a rebuke, while speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements in Machakos County on Saturday, April 26, Murkomen stated that Uhuru had only just left the presidency, yet he was already acting like an “angel” and lecturing the public on how to oppose the government.
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“You were President just yesterday. The ink you used to sign decisions as Head of State has not even dried. In fact, the very spot where you stepped when leaving State House has not even dried,” Murkomen remarked.
Murkomen Slams Uhuru for Inciting Youth Against Govt
He went on to mock Uhuru, saying, “Suddenly you have become very clever, and now you are giving us lectures about leading protests against the government.”
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The CS termed the actions as “exploitation of young people,” which he called unacceptable.
He urged leaders from across the political divide to understand that this is not an issue for political gain, but one that requires collective responsibility from all.
Also Read: Murkomen Reveals Plans to Regulate Churches in Kenya
Murkomen admitted that the country is facing a youth bulge and President William Ruto’s administration is focused on addressing their concerns, which include unemployment.
“The youth bulge is not a question of today; it has been a growing issue. And if we don’t act now, tomorrow it will only get worse with even higher numbers,” he said.
He called for a collaborative effort in addressing youth concerns, saying some of the key programs under the BETA are aimed at dealing with the same.
The CS added that President Ruto in his international outings continues to woo global firms to invest in Kenya to enhance opportunities for jobs.
“President Ruto is selling Kenya abroad, showcasing the various opportunities available for investors,” said the CS.
Uhuru Encourages Young Africans to Unite and Lead Change
During the lecture, Uhuru Kenyatta had also urged the youth to embrace their role as the freedom fighters of this era.
“You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he stated.
Also Read: Uhuru Recalls Moment Pope Francis Threw Him Out of His Office at State House
The fourth president highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that more than 65 percent of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, which presents a key opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption.
He emphasized the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. At the same time, he called on young Africans to seize the moment and become architects of a self-reliant and united continent.
“Young leaders should embrace merit-based governance, where policies serve long-term national interests,” he stated.
“No one is coming to save us, and as the world turns increasingly inward, the places to seek refuge are rapidly disappearing.”
CS Speaks on Investigation of Gachagua & Muturi, and Kalonzo Joining Broad-Based Govt
On the issue of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka joining the broad-based government, the CS challenged him to seize the opportunity now.
In response to Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and other elected Kamba leaders who urged the President to visit the region before Kalonzo takes over in 2027, the CS emphasized that this is the right time for Kalonzo Musyoka to join the government.
“What has blocked him from joining us now instead of later? In case he wants to join, the doors are open,” stated the CS.
“We have a broad-based government bringing everyone on board and the wiper leader can also contribute by sharing his ideas on how the government is governed
Meanwhile, Murkomen emphasized the importance of adherence to the Secrecy Act for state and public officers but clarified that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi are not under investigation for any breach.
He underscored that the enforcement of compliance is non-political and not aimed at any individual, refuting claims that Gachagua and Muturi are persons of interest in any ongoing inquiry.
Addressing concerns raised by Members of Parliament about ex-state and public officers being bound by the confidentiality law even after leaving office, Murkomen clarified that such restrictions are only applicable to matters related to national security.
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