Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked a heated political conversation after issuing a stern warning to voters ahead of the upcoming elections. Addressing a public gathering, Murkomen cautioned Kenyans against lingering around polling stations after casting their votes, insisting that there is no reason for citizens to remain behind in the name of “protecting the vote.”
In a firm and direct statement, Murkomen said:
“Once you vote, go home. There is no business that you are protecting any vote!”
His remarks appeared to target groups that traditionally remain outside polling centres during elections, often claiming they are safeguarding results from possible manipulation. Murkomen argued that Kenya has formal institutions and legally mandated bodies responsible for overseeing the electoral process, not ordinary citizens.
He maintained that crowding around polling stations can lead to unnecessary tension, confrontation, and suspicions—conditions that have previously triggered violence in past elections. According to him, Kenya should move away from the culture of hostile political mobilization and instead trust the systems in place.
However, his message has drawn mixed reactions across the country.
Some Kenyans praised the CS for promoting peace and encouraging responsible conduct during the election period. Supporters argue that if everyone went home after voting, incidents of chaos and intimidation would drastically reduce.
Critics, on the other hand, interpreted his remarks as an attempt to discourage civic vigilance. They insist that in a country where electoral fraud accusations are common, citizens have every right to monitor the process closely and demand transparency.
Murkomen’s warning comes at a sensitive moment when political temperatures are rising, alliances are shifting, and the public is becoming more alert as the election season approaches. His comments are likely to fuel further debate on the role of citizens in safeguarding democracy and whether staying away from polling stations helps or harms the integrity of the electoral process.
