Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended Kenyans for conducting largely peaceful demonstrations across the country. He described the events as a sign of growing political maturity and respect for constitutional freedoms.
CS Murkomen said the demonstrations, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa, showed that public protests can be conducted peacefully while maintaining law and order.
“This is testament to the maturity of our politics and governance. Today is proof that demonstrations can be conducted in an orderly manner while respecting the rights of other citizens,” he said.
The CS revealed that security agencies had heightened surveillance and screening measures ahead of the demonstrations to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the protests.
He noted that several suspects had been arrested and would be arraigned in court within the constitutional timelines.
Murkomen accused unnamed political actors of attempting to exploit the demonstrations for political gain, claiming that some individuals had mobilised groups to cause unrest under the guise of peaceful protests.
“Today was a complete failure on the part of politicians and political scavengers. It was, however, a success for Kenyans who love peace and order,” he said.
The Interior CS singled out Mombasa for praise, describing it as a model city for peaceful demonstrations. He noted that for the second consecutive year, protesters in the coastal city had peacefully marched along agreed routes, presented petitions and dispersed without incident.
“Mombasa has shown the country how demonstrations can be conducted peacefully in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.
Murkomen further disclosed that only one injury had been officially reported during the demonstrations. A chief in Murang’a County was injured during an incident involving a group of individuals attempting to erect a barricade but was treated and discharged from hospital.
The Cabinet Secretary also dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that his life was in danger, accusing him of engaging in ethnic profiling and seeking public attention.
He urged political leaders to embrace national unity and refrain from linking public officers to their ethnic backgrounds, saying Kenya’s future depended on issue-based politics rather than tribal mobilisation.
Murkomen thanked security officers, the media and Kenyans for maintaining peace throughout the day, while calling for future demonstrations to be organised in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution.
He also commended media houses for what he termed responsible reporting of the demonstrations and urged journalists to continue upholding professionalism and factual reporting.
