Murkomen dismisses Gachagua’s claims on sale of prison land, says reforms underway
His remarks were in response to claims made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that all prison lands had been sold, necessitating the relocation of correctional facilities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed allegations that the government has sold prison land.
The CS stated that his ministry is focused on comprehensive prison reforms aimed at enhancing correctional facilities, improving officers' welfare, and integrating technology into the justice system.
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“Nothing of the sort will happen. We are rolling out reforms that are helping the prisons department,” Murkomen said while visiting Uruku G.K. Prisons in South Imenti, Meru County, on Wednesday.
His remarks were in response to claims made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that all prison lands had been sold, necessitating the relocation of correctional facilities.
“All prison lands have been sold. All prisons need to be relocated. Even churches built on these lands, including Catholic and SDA churches, will be demolished,” Gachagua had claimed earlier.
Murkomen, however, refuted these claims and instead emphasised that the government is working towards commercialising prison operations for sustainability.
Additionally, he noted that the reforms include the provision of dignified housing for prison officers through affordable housing initiatives.
“The focus is on modernisation and sustainability. We want to ensure that correctional facilities are self-sustaining and that officers live in dignified conditions,” he stated.
The prison department owns vast tracts of land across the country, some of which are leased to individuals and entities. However, Murkomen did not address whether there were any plans to review these leases.
Beyond prison reforms, Murkomen reaffirmed the government's commitment to making administrative services more accessible to the public.
During his visit, he presided over the operationalisation of Abogeta Sub-County, inaugurated the Sub-County headquarters, and installed the first Deputy County Commissioner at Kanyakine Vocational Training Centre grounds in Meru County.
“To ensure Wananchi receive services effectively, we are committed to operationalising all gazetted administrative units across the country,” he stated.
He further assured residents that additional personnel would be deployed to ensure all departments within the new subcounty were fully functional. Additionally, he revealed plans to upgrade the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Mitunguu road to improve connectivity within Abogeta Sub-County.
“The long-overdue operationalisation of Igoki Division will be implemented in the coming weeks with the deployment of an Assistant County Commissioner,” Murkomen added.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, multiple Members of Parliament, former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, and various regional and county administrators. Their presence underscored the significance of the government’s ongoing reforms in both the correctional services and administrative sectors.
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