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Tag: Murkomen

  • Interior CS defends security measures amid Saba Saba protests

    Interior CS defends security measures amid Saba Saba protests

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the security arrangements implemented during the July 7 (Saba Saba) demonstrations, crediting the National Police Service for averting large-scale destruction while safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

    Speaking after touring various police deployment areas in Nairobi alongside Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials, Murkomen expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers for their professionalism and restraint amid efforts to contain violent elements.

    “We express our heartfelt gratitude to the security officers across the country who have today done their very best to contain the criminals and goons who were infiltrating peaceful protests by citizens,” Murkomen said.

    “I am happy that as a result of their efforts, there was less damage today compared to what we witnessed last week,” the CS added.

    The Interior CS acknowledged that some members of the public were inconvenienced due to heightened security measures but reiterated that the intention was to protect lives and property.

    “To Kenyans who were inconvenienced by the measures implemented by the police, we say ‘poleni sana.’ We had to take these actions to ensure your safety and the protection of your property,” he said. “Kenyans should be grateful that, as much as possible, the National Police Service and the police officers minimized damage today.”

    Murkomen confirmed that several individuals linked to last week’s unrest have already been arrested and charged, including those involved in acts of arson and destruction of public infrastructure.

    “All the goons who caused mayhem last week, a number of them have been arrested, including those who burnt police stations, courts, government buildings, and government vehicles. Those who committed acts of terror have already been charged in court with terrorism,” he noted.

    He further assured the public that security agencies will continue to pursue all individuals responsible for criminal acts.

    “We believe in the rule of law. We will pursue all criminals and take them to court.”

    Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing public safety with the right to peaceful protest.

    “It is our duty to protect the citizens of Kenya, safeguard their property, and ensure the safety of our officers as they carry out their responsibilities. We mean this; we want Kenyans to be safe,” he stated.

    Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo echoed Murkomen’s stance, emphasizing the need to maintain a secure environment for all.

    “We will continue to do what we are expected to do in terms of ensuring this country is safe for people to express themselves while also allowing others to conduct their business uninterrupted,” said Omollo.

  • Murkomen: Time for clear law on peaceful protests in Kenya

    Murkomen: Time for clear law on peaceful protests in Kenya

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to govern demonstrations, protests, and picketing in Kenya.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Administration Police Service Potential Instructors’ Course at the Administration Police Training College in Embakasi, Nairobi, the CS reiterated the necessity of revising the Public Order Act to promote peaceful civic expression while ensuring public safety and national order.

    “To bring public order and protect our police officers, we are going to work together with Parliament to ensure there is a Public Order Act that clearly defines how demonstrations will be conducted,” Murkomen stated.

    He explained that the proposed law would designate specific areas for protests and establish clear timing to minimize disruptions around critical institutions and locations. The aim, according to the CS, is to protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators while safeguarding essential public spaces and services.

    “The Act will designate proper areas where people can protest and picket, ensuring that the timing of demonstrations is defined. It will specify where to protest and when demonstrations will occur, so that citizens are not inconvenienced and there are no disruptions around schools, hospitals, and residential estates.” he stated.

    The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the government fully respects Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, but cautioned against criminal elements who exploit protests to incite chaos, loot property, and endanger lives.

    “We want to protect genuine citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional rights—and address groups that may seek to cause chaos, loot shops, and attack police stations. We want our country to be in order,” he said.

    CS Murkomen envisions a Kenya where demonstrations are peaceful, organised, and dignified, with demonstrators and law enforcement working in harmony.

    “It is my dream, and I hope that dream comes true soon, that we will have demonstrations, protests, and picketing in Kenya that are escorted by police. The people participating in the picketing will be carrying drums and vuvuzelas in a peaceful manner, clearly expressing what they are protesting against in an orderly manner,” he remarked.

    “Article 37 of the Constitution promises demonstrations, protests, and picketing, where protesters and police officers will shake hands after the demonstrations and wish each other well as they go home,” Murkomen explained.

    The Cabinet Secretary urged Parliament and the Judiciary to contribute to creating an environment that enables orderly civic expression without loss of life or destruction of property.

    “We need proper demonstrations, picketing, and protests where people can make their voices heard in a peaceful manner, knowing their message has been received, not protests that result in loss of life, destruction of property, and immense suffering.” He stressed