Why Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen was ‘snubbed’ at Homa Bay event
There was an awkward moment at a Catholic Church in Homa Bay County on August 6, 2023, when Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen showed up but failed to be received by local leaders.
Mr Murkomen was attending a funds drive at St Arnold Nyalienga Catholic Church in Kochia ward.
He was the main guest at the event.
He showed up at the church while being driven in a black SUV without an official flag.
But instead of being received by local leaders and national government administration, the CS found the VIP section empty.
Mr Murkomen was accompanied by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
The two were in the same vehicle when they arrived at the event.
They walked to their seats and waited patiently for other people to arrive.
Other leaders including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga arrived later when the CS was already seated.
In similar visits, a VIP would be driven to an event venue with police with siren leading the way.
The vehicles carrying Murkomen, a senior government official and close ally of President William Ruto, would have a flag with an identical vehicle following from behind.
Local administration led by the County commissioner or Deputy County commissioner would be among the hosts for the CS.
In this case, no one was there to welcome Mr Murkomen.
Police also failed to escort him.
It is not clear where the police escort was or whether there was breakdown in communication.
His arrival was only noticed when his helicopter landed at a nearby field before he was driven to the venue.
An official from the county government of Homa Bay said there was miscommunication on where the helicopter was supposed to land.
The official said the helicopter was scheduled to land at a field near the church.
“We had a last minute change and the leaders were waiting for the CS at the second venue,” the official said.
Apparently, the pilot used the first coordinates to land only for Mr Murkomen to find no one waiting for him before he decided to be driven to the venue.
At the venue, Mr Murkomen waited for the other leaders for at least 10 minutes.
Roles were switched as it was the CS who welcomed the other leaders.
A car with a flag also arrived later.
It was probable the one which was supported to take the CS to the venue.
Mr Murkomen said he loves Homa Bay and would visit the county in December.
“I will come with my family to enjoy some of the tourist attraction sites in this county,” he said.
Ms Wanga left the event ahead of the SC saying she was going to a funeral in the neigburing Kochia ward.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s wife mama Ida was among the mourners at the funeral.
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