Murkomen Explains Why he was Heckled During Football Match in Baringo

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen addresses an agitated crowd during the Baringo County Governor’s Cup match.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen faced a disruptive reception from Baringo residents as he attempted to address them following a County Governor’s Cup match.

In a video that went viral on social media, Murkomen was seen trying to talk to an agitated crowd that heckled him.

Amidst the commotion, the crowd was heard chanting, “Ruto must go,” expressing their frustration towards FKF officials, particularly Mr. Ruto, whom they felt was not addressing their concerns.
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The disruption, captured in a video shared by Murkomen on X at the Kabarnet Show Grounds, stemmed from grievances over a postponed men’s finals match between Baringo Youth FC and Chemogoch FC on Sunday, November 26.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that the disturbance, involving both players and fans, stemmed from perceived unaddressed concerns.

He pointed out that the men’s finals were postponed due to protests by Baringo Youth FC from Kabarnet, Baringo Central, dissatisfied with their loss against Chemogoch FC from Mogotio.

“The officials did their best to resolve the matter, but the Baringo central team was not satisfied. Being the home team, and with their fans being more than half of the stadium, it was impossible to proceed with the match,” Murkomen stated.

“The players and the fans poured their frustrations on FKF officials, especially one Mr. Ruto, whom they felt, was not addressing their concerns. I appreciate all the volunteers who have so far made the OKM Peace Cup a success,” the CS added.

In the video, Murkomen can be seen attempting to pacify the agitated crowd, stressing concern about avoiding conflict, especially given that the OKM Peace Cup was established to promote peace.

“I have been in politics for quite some time, and I would not like to see our youth fight. Since the Cup tournament was put in place for peace, I do not want people to fight,” Murkomen emphasized.

He assured that Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and local leaders would work towards resolving the matter promptly.

“We look forward to the finals in Kapenguria. I believe Governor Cheboi, with the local leaders, will resolve the small matter soon, and we shall return to Baringo to watch the men’s final and award all the winners,” he said.

The video has attracted reactions from political scenes, where one Julius Kones has said; “There is a growing concern of high level of intolerance from Rift Valley Youths. The underlying reasons needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Last week, the booed CS Chirchir in Bomet, and today Kabarnet youths did the same to CS Murkomen.”

On his part, former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has said, “Kalenjins are united as one people and so is Rift Valley, whether you are in Bomet-Sotik or you are in Baringo-Kabarnet we are all a united nation. If you know you know!”

Courtesy Citizen Digital