Kenya's Interior Minister Faces Parliament Today on National Security Crisis
Nairobi, 12 February 2026
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen addresses Kenya’s National Assembly this morning in a high-stakes security briefing following a parliamentary retreat that identified national security as a critical concern. The session, scheduled for 10:00 AM today, will allow MPs to interrogate government security strategies and recent incidents affecting public safety. This parliamentary appearance coincides with Murkomen’s recent meetings with EU human rights officials, where he defended Kenya’s human rights record amid ongoing police reforms and the establishment of a controversial new police unit with sweeping powers at grassroots level.
Parliamentary Retreat Drives Security Focus
The security briefing stems from key resolutions adopted during a parliamentary retreat held in Nakuru County between 26 and 30 January 2026 [1]. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed that national security matters were identified as a priority during the retreat, leading to the decision for Murkomen to address Members of Parliament in a Speaker’s Kamukunji session [1]. The session is designed to give MPs an opportunity to interrogate the government’s security strategy, recent incidents, and measures being implemented to enhance public safety [1].
EU Engagement on Human Rights Concerns
Prior to today’s parliamentary session, Murkomen met with European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren to address mounting concerns over Kenya’s human rights record [2][3]. During the meeting, Murkomen assured the EU delegation that the government remains steadfast in protecting the rights and freedoms of every Kenyan, as enshrined in the Constitution and other laws [3]. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Kenya and the European Union in advancing human rights, promoting democratic governance, and enhancing strategic cooperation in key sectors, including security [3]. Ollongren congratulated Kenya on its recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, noting that the position would bolster the country’s role in promoting regional security, stability, and human rights [3].
Police Reforms and International Partnerships
Murkomen highlighted ongoing government programmes aimed at promoting citizen inclusion, nurturing a robust democratic culture, safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, strengthening oversight institutions, and supporting a vibrant civil society [3]. The two leaders deliberated on the ongoing modernisation of the National Police Service, with Murkomen noting reforms intended to enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery within the security sector [3]. This modernisation effort has been supported by international partnerships, including a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research on 10 February 2026 [5]. The agreement, signed in Geneva by Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo and UNITAR’s Director of Division for Peace Mr. Evariste Karambizi, targets coordinated capacity development for key institutions including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations [5].
Controversial New Police Unit Expands Government Reach
Adding complexity to today’s security briefing is the recent establishment of the National Government Administration Police Unit, a specialised unit within the National Police Service announced on 24 December 2025 [4]. The unit, which operates from regional to ward level, has been granted sweeping powers to provide protective security to government officers, support administrative operations, enforce national policies, and assist in conflict management and peacebuilding initiatives [4]. Officers are tasked with ensuring security during lawful operations, public functions, and community gatherings, whilst also apprehending offenders and preserving exhibits as first responders [4]. The unit’s structure includes regional, county, sub-county, and ward division officers, each reporting to their respective Administration Police commanders [4]. The establishment of this unit, with its broad mandate to support national government administrative officers in carrying out their lawful duties, may face scrutiny from MPs concerned about potential overreach and its impact on civil liberties [4].