CS Murkomen links Gen-Z online activism to drug abuse, mental illnesses
CS Murkomen links Gen-Z online activism to drug abuse, mental illnesses
Kipchumba Murkomen blames drug abuse, mental illnesses for Gen-Z online activism particularly the “Ruto must go” campaign.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned young people against misusing social media, warning that online discourse could destabilise the country.
His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over last week’s comments by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri on the “Ruto must go” campaign.
General Kahariri, alongside National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, condemned the campaign, which has been active since last year’s protests against President William Ruto’s government.
Their statements drew criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised over their involvement in political affairs.
Various Kenyans, including political leaders, argued that the military should remain neutral and refrain from commenting on political matters.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that the military should remain apolitical and warned Kahariri against involving the military in political affairs.
He argued that the “Ruto Must Go” chants represent a call for change through constitutional means, specifically targeting the 2027 General Elections.
However, speaking at the African Inland Church in Makutano, Meru, on Sunday, Murkomen defended Kahariri and Noordin, urging the youth to heed their warnings and focus on maintaining national stability.
“Those two gentlemen are speaking from information and are warning you about the future of your country. You are making social media arguments here and there,” Murkomen said.
“The future of a country needs order; otherwise, we will be in the same situation with our neighbours, sitting in refugee camps.”
He reiterated Kahariri’s stance on the constitutional process of removing leaders from office, emphasising that due legal channels should be followed.
“During elections, there is how to remove someone from office. There is also impeachment and jails if someone breaks the law,” he said.
The Interior CS raised concerns over the moral fabric of the current generation, arguing that they enjoy too much freedom.
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According to Murkomen, substance abuse has “extremely destroyed” the lot who have resorted to insulting people online as a coping mechanism.
“Most of these young people posting hateful messages on social media are battling mental health challenges brought on by drug abuse and alcohol abuse,” he said, urging parents to instill discipline in their children.
“Let us go to our homes and talk to our children. If you have come to church here, your Christianity on Sunday is meaningless if you do not have Bible study with your children at home, pray with them at home, and talk to your children.”
Murkomen’s comments have now sparked widespread debate online, with many young Kenyans expressing frustration over unemployment and economic hardships.
Youths took to the social media platform X to voice their discontent, accusing the government of deflecting blame instead of addressing the root causes of their struggles.
Many argued that high unemployment rates, corruption, and economic mismanagement—not drug use—are the real reasons behind their frustrations and online activism.
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