Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was on the defensive in the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon as MPs grilled him over the government’s handling of the violent June 25 and July 7 demonstrations that left 42 people dead, more than 600 injured, and public and private property worth millions destroyed.
Responding to a question from Molo MP Kimani Kuria, Murkomen said the unrest was “well-orchestrated and coordinated” by certain actors intent on inciting instability. He recounted widespread destruction, including the burning of 16 police stations and posts, the looting of supermarkets in Naivasha, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kasarani, Eldoret, Meru, and Kirinyaga, and attacks on hospitals and government offices.
The CS disclosed that criminals stole firearms and razed residential quarters for officers and their families at Dagoretti Police Post. He blamed the chaos on protest organizers’ failure to comply with the Public Order Act, which requires between three and 14 days’ notice to police. Mobilization, he said, was driven by social media hashtags, and despite police advisories, demonstrations quickly degenerated into looting, arson, and violence.
While affirming that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, Murkomen stressed the right “is not absolute” and must be exercised without threatening public safety.
On prevention measures, he outlined steps such as intensified mobile and foot patrols, expanded CCTV and drone surveillance, early intelligence gathering, and community engagement through Nyumba Kumi. Public advisories are now being issued ahead of planned protests to encourage lawful conduct and warn against violence.
Investigations are underway into financiers and mobilizers of the unrest. Murkomen revealed that the National Police Service, working with the NIS, Communications Authority, NTSA, Registrar of Companies, and Financial Reporting Centre, has forensically analyzed financial and registration records of companies, NGOs, and societies linked to the protests. So far, about 1,500 people have been arrested, with 15 facing charges ranging from terrorism and incitement to arson and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Hon. Kuria, whose constituency saw the Molo Ward Administrator’s office and Molo Railway Station vandalized, welcomed the report but urged speedy prosecutions to deter repeat violence.
“The government remains steadfast in maintaining order and protecting life and property,” Murkomen told the House.
