Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has denied claims that the government has sold prison land, dismissing assertions made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Murkomen clarified that his ministry is focused on implementing prison reforms to improve correctional facilities, enhance the welfare of officers, and integrate technology through virtual courts.
Speaking during a visit to Uruku G.K. Prisons in South Imenti, Meru County, on Wednesday, Murkomen assured that the alleged sale of prison land was untrue. “Nothing of the sort will happen. We are rolling out reforms that are helping the prisons department,” he stated.
His remarks were in response to Gachagua’s earlier claim that prison lands across the country had been sold, leading to a necessary relocation of correctional facilities. The Deputy President had also suggested that churches built on these lands, including Catholic and SDA churches, would be demolished.
Murkomen outlined that ongoing reforms within the prisons department include commercializing prison operations for sustainability and providing dignified housing for officers through affordable housing initiatives. He emphasized that prison land remains under state ownership, with some portions leased out to individuals and entities for specific purposes.
Beyond prison reforms, Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to operationalizing gazetted administrative units to enhance access to government services. He presided over the official opening of Abogeta Sub-County headquarters and the installation of the first Deputy County Commissioner at Kanyakine Vocational Training Center in Meru County.
He confirmed that personnel would be posted to ensure all departments in the new sub-county become fully functional. Plans are also in place to upgrade the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Mitunguu road to improve connectivity within Abogeta Sub-County.
Additionally, Murkomen announced that the long-awaited operationalization of Igoki Division would be implemented in the coming weeks, with an Assistant County Commissioner set to be deployed.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, multiple Members of Parliament, former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Principal Secretaries Gitonga Mugambi and Dr. Salome Beacco, as well as other local administrators and MCAs.
The government continues to emphasize reforms and infrastructure development as part of its broader agenda to enhance service delivery and support institutional improvements across various sectors.
