Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come out in defense of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following public criticism over the swift arrest of 12 suspects linked to the murder of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on May 14, Murkomen emphasized that the rapid progress in the case was a result of clear evidence and professional investigative work.
He explained that the nature of the case made it relatively straightforward for detectives to identify and apprehend the suspects within just two weeks.
Murkomen highlighted the significant role played by technology in cracking the case. He noted that CCTV footage and phone call data triangulation were instrumental in tracking the suspects and piecing together their movements before and after the murder.
“The footage showed who he was with in Parliament, and call records helped trace the key suspects. This made the process easier and quicker,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS also addressed concerns from some Kenyans who felt the speed of the investigation pointed to selective justice, as other cases tend to drag on for months or even years.
Murkomen, however, dismissed those concerns, noting that many other cases across the country are resolved promptly, but often go unnoticed due to limited media coverage.
He further asserted that the high-profile nature of Ong’ondo Were’s position as a Member of Parliament is what brought exceptional attention to the case.
“Because he was a public figure, the case attracted more media coverage. But the police investigate and solve many cases daily without public limelight,” he stated.
Murkomen maintained that the DCI acted professionally and within the law in handling the matter.
By Kenyans