Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has taken a swipe at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of making divisive statements that continue to alienate citizens from the government.

Speaking during a county government empowerment program in Matungulu North Ward, Machakos County, Mwangangi said leaders should speak in ways that unite, not divide Kenyans.

He criticised Murkomen’s remarks praising the police for shooting to kill during recent protests, questioning how such actions could be justified.

“Our interior CS, please, as leaders, let us look at anything that comes out of our mouth, so that ikue ni jambo la kuleta watu pamoja,” he said.

According to Mwangangi, national leaders must foster unity, uphold the constitution, and reflect the values of service and humility.

“When Murkomen speaks, Kenya becomes more divided, and Kenyans become more resistant against the government. I wish the president could look at the kind of people he is appointing because Murkomen is saying that police officers did very good, killing our children," Mwangangi said.

He also raised concerns over what he termed as ‘selective application of the law’, citing the recent summoning of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over inciting remarks, arguing that other vocal politicians, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, have not faced similar scrutiny.

At the same time, the deputy governor expressed confidence in Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the country’s future president, saying his leadership would restore constitutionalism and respect for citizens.

Also present at the event was Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who empowered farmer groups in Matungulu North Ward with a variety of agricultural inputs aimed at improving food security and rural livelihoods.

The distributed items included Galla goats, improved kienyeji chicks, chick mash, fingerlings, insecticides, and fertiliser.

Wavinya urged the beneficiaries to utilise the support responsibly and promised further assistance.

“I’ve come here to empower you. These chicks will be fully grown in two months. We will also provide incubators soon. Please take care of them,” Wavinya said.

The governor reiterated her administration’s commitment to supporting agriculture as a key pillar for economic transformation and encouraged the residents to practice productive farming to maximise the benefits of the support.

In the same area, Governor Wavinya commissioned sixteen new houses, part of the ongoing 200-house project implemented in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Kenya.

“Today, I have commissioned sixteen houses for people who were previously living in substandard conditions. We will continue doing more,” said Governor Wavinya.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the improved housing.

Murkomen has been under fire over his "shoot on sight" order to police against civilians who attack police stations.

The LSK has termed the statement reckless, warning it could fuel more extrajudicial killings. Murkomen has since clarified that police are well aware of their limits in the use of force.