From accusations of selling charcoal to claims of political sponsorship, the bitter rivalry between Joshua Kutuny and Kipchumba Murkomen became one of Kenya’s most unforgettable public political clashes.
Few political feuds in Kenya have unfolded as dramatically as the long-running battle between former Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Their fallout, rooted in the fierce succession politics that divided the Jubilee Party, escalated into a series of blistering public attacks, with both leaders exchanging explosive allegations during press conferences and even on live national television.
At the height of their rivalry, Murkomen accused Kutuny of having been “picked from the dust” by former Deputy President William Ruto, while Kutuny retaliated by claiming he had “picked Murkomen from the streets” and financially supported his rise to power.
Years later, the extraordinary exchange remains one of the most talked-about moments in Kenya’s political history.
How the Joshua Kutuny and Kipchumba Murkomen feud began
The rift between the two leaders became public in 2018 amid growing tensions within the Jubilee administration.
Murkomen, then serving as Elgeyo Marakwet Senator and one of William Ruto’s most vocal defenders, alleged that influential individuals had infiltrated President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inner circle and were misleading the Head of State.
Kutuny, who had aligned himself with President Uhuru Kenyatta, strongly condemned Murkomen’s remarks.
In a sharply worded statement, the former Cherangany MP described Murkomen’s comments as “serious, demeaning, unfortunate and reckless,” accusing him of deliberately attempting to tarnish the President’s reputation.
Kutuny further challenged Murkomen to publicly identify the alleged cartels he claimed had infiltrated government.
He insisted that William Ruto was “a brand in himself” and did not require politicians to market him politically.
In one of his strongest attacks, Kutuny branded Murkomen “a liability to the Deputy President,” arguing that his conduct was damaging rather than helping Ruto’s political ambitions.
Murkomen’s cryptic response
Murkomen quickly responded through social media but avoided directly addressing Kutuny’s accusations.
Instead, he posted:
“Please ignore Kutuny’s statement until the faces behind the statement speak. They are the people I talked about.”
The statement was widely interpreted as suggesting that Kutuny was speaking on behalf of unnamed senior political figures.
The live TV showdown that stunned viewers
The rivalry reached boiling point during a heated Citizen TV News Night debate in November 2018.
Although the discussion was expected to focus on the maize scandal, it rapidly descended into personal accusations.
Murkomen launched one of his most memorable attacks by telling Kutuny:
“The Deputy President picked you from the dust when you were out there selling makaa (charcoal).”
The remark instantly drew a fiery response.
Kutuny replied:
“I picked you from the streets and made you senator. I used to give you money every week and you know that.”
He went further, alleging that he had personally financed Murkomen during the early stages of his political career and even helped him acquire his first campaign vehicle.
The extraordinary exchange quickly went viral and became one of the defining moments of political debate in Kenya.
Controversial allegations during the clash
During the same television interview, Murkomen made another sensational claim, alleging that Kutuny was among prominent Kenyans allegedly wanted by United States authorities over drug trafficking investigations.
However, no evidence was publicly presented to support the allegation.
Kutuny dismissed the accusation, arguing that it was intended to divert attention from questions surrounding the maize scandal and broader political accountability.
A reflection of the Jubilee Party split
Beyond the personal insults, the feud mirrored the widening divisions within Jubilee after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political handshake with Raila Odinga.
Murkomen remained firmly loyal to William Ruto and defended his political camp at every opportunity.
Kutuny, meanwhile, increasingly aligned himself with President Kenyatta and emerged as one of Ruto’s strongest critics in the Rift Valley.
Their rivalry became symbolic of the larger struggle over the future leadership of the ruling party.
The political rivalry extended into the 2022 General Election
The hostility did not end with the televised exchanges.
During campaigns ahead of the 2022 General Election, leaders allied to William Ruto openly campaigned against Kutuny in Cherangany, accusing him of betraying the region and repeatedly attacking the Deputy President.
Although Kenya’s political landscape has since shifted and both leaders now occupy different positions, the Joshua Kutuny and Kipchumba Murkomen feud remains one of the most dramatic examples of political rivalry ever witnessed in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua Kutuny and Kipchumba Murkomen fall out?
Their dispute stemmed from deep political disagreements within the Jubilee Party, particularly over President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership, William Ruto’s political future, and the direction of the government after the 2018 handshake.
What did Kipchumba Murkomen say about Joshua Kutuny?
During a live television debate, Murkomen claimed that William Ruto had “picked” Kutuny from selling charcoal, a remark that sparked an immediate and heated response.
How did Joshua Kutuny respond?
Kutuny countered by saying he had “picked” Murkomen from the streets, helped him become senator, and financially supported him during his early political career.
Why is the Kutuny–Murkomen feud still remembered?
The rivalry combined personal attacks, political divisions, and nationally televised confrontations, making it one of the most widely discussed political feuds in Kenya’s recent history.
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