Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Courtesy
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of incompetence and abuse of office, reigniting political tensions over the controversial fight against alcohol abuse in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during a televised interview on Citizen TV on Monday night, Murkomen claimed that Gachagua’s anti-alcohol campaign lacked policy grounding and was instead driven by tribal politics and personal interests.
According to Murkomen, Gachagua failed to approach the alcoholism crisis as a public health and social challenge requiring structured government intervention.
Instead, he said, the campaign was characterised by intimidation and selective targeting of businesses, with no clear framework to address illicit brews or rehabilitation.
“The first thing about the former DP was his obsession with tribalism,” Murkomen said, arguing that every major initiative under Gachagua’s watch was framed along ethnic lines.
He went on to describe him as one of the most ineffective leaders to serve at the top level of government, claiming he lacked understanding of government policy and administration.
Alcohol abuse remains a deeply emotive issue in the area, affecting livelihoods, family stability, and public health.
Gachagua has previously defended his record, insisting that his actions were meant to protect communities from the devastating effects of illicit alcohol.
However, Murkomen’s comments are likely to fuel fresh debate over whether the crackdown delivered lasting solutions or merely deepened political and economic divisions.