Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has lauded the police for what he termed as a “disciplined and strategic response” to Monday’s Saba Saba protests, saying incidents of looting, destruction of property, and violence were significantly lower compared to the June 25 demonstrations.
In a statement released Monday evening after touring parts of Nairobi City, Murkomen acknowledged the right of Kenyans to commemorate Saba Saba Day peacefully, calling it a key milestone in the country’s democratic journey. However, he lamented the infiltration of recent demonstrations by what he described as “criminal elements bent on causing chaos and destruction.”
“Saba Saba commemorates a turning point in our country’s journey to multi-party democracy, order and better governance. Kenyans have the right to mark the day in peace and decency,” Murkomen stated.
He noted that thanks to enhanced deployment of security personnel, today’s protests were largely peaceful, with fewer reports of vandalism and attacks on property.
“Thanks to their efforts and other officers across the country, incidents of violence, looting and destruction of property were markedly reduced today compared to last week,” he said.
The CS also revealed that suspects who were involved in the violent incidents of June 25 have since been arrested and charged with terrorism. He assured the public that individuals found culpable in today’s events will equally be held to account.
“The criminals who wreaked havoc on the June 25th demonstrations have already been charged in court. Likewise, those responsible for today’s incidents will also be investigated and charged,” he affirmed.
Acknowledging the public frustration over restricted movement within Nairobi and other urban areas due to police roadblocks and heavy presence, Murkomen defended the measures as “regrettable but necessary” for public safety.
His remarks come hours after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported multiple fatalities and injuries during the nationwide demonstrations, sparking renewed calls for accountability and restraint from security agencies.
Murkomen’s statement paints a contrasting tone from critics of the police response, who have accused the government of militarizing civilian protests and clamping down on constitutional freedoms.
