Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has claimed that some senior political figures, including Members of Parliament and former Cabinet ministers, are staging their own abductions for political gain.
Speaking in Parliament on 22 April 2026, Murkomen alleged that the country is witnessing a troubling rise in what he termed self-abductions, warning that the trend risks undermining genuine cases of disappearances.
“Mr. Speaker, that unfortunately there are also rising cases of self-abduction or state abduction. And it is embarrassing that it is done by leaders who serve in such high offices, including members of parliament, former ministers,” said Murkomen.
Murkomen Links Claims to Ongoing Cases
Murkomen’s remarks come after recent high-profile incidents, including the case involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
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The government alleged that Tuju staged his own disappearance, a claim supported by investigators who said forensic findings placed him at his Karen residence during the period he was reported missing.
According to Murkomen, investigators established that Tuju never left his home and remained inside throughout the alleged disappearance, describing the incident as theatrics aimed at misleading the public and gaining sympathy.
After Tuju resurfaced, he was arrested, with authorities indicating that his account of events contradicted findings from investigations. Court proceedings have since followed, including legal applications related to his arrest.
Murkomen has previously warned that such incidents paint the government in a negative light and could encourage a dangerous trend if not addressed.
Allegations Extend to Politicians
During his parliamentary address, his comments suggested that the alleged practice is not limited to isolated cases.
He claimed that individuals holding high offices, including MPs and former ministers, were involved in staging or exaggerating abduction claims.
In May 2025, Juja Member of Parliament George Kiomburi was allegedly abducted after a Sunday service and was later found in a coffee plantation in Ruiru.
The National police later stated that Kiomburi staged his own abduction and was also charged.
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Murkomen has warned that the culture of self-abduction should stop since they interfere with serious cases of abduction.
“And this culture of self-abduction or state abduction is negatively impacting serious cases of, through serious cases of abduction or enforced disappearance or missing persons, because people are using abductions for political gain,” added Murkomen.
Murkomen Clarifies Role in Land Dispute Saga
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued a statement addressing reports linking CS Murkomen to a land dispute.
According to the statement, Kipchumba Murkomen maintained that he has no personal interest in the property cited in the allegations and had no knowledge of the land, its location, or the existence of any dispute.
Further, the statement noted that the Cabinet Secretary has not been involved in any dealings related to the property in question, with the ministry stressing that the claims linking him to the land matter are not supported by facts.
