Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans intending to participate in the June 25 demonstrations to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully. He warned that security agencies would act decisively against any criminal elements.
Speaking at a Sunday service at AIC Lang’ata in Nairobi, Murkomen stated that the government would support lawful protests while ensuring that public order is maintained.
“If you choose to exercise your rights under Article 37 this week, do so peacefully, while respecting the right of children to go to school, the right of people to own and protect their property, and the rights and livelihoods of other citizens,” he said.
The CS emphasised that demonstrations must not disrupt public life or infringe upon the rights of others, calling for restraint and responsibility from participants.
He further assured that peaceful protesters would receive police protection and guidance during the demonstrations.
“If we all come peacefully to protest, no rungus, no machetes, no stones, no lighting fires, no violence, no stealing, no looting, the police will also escort and support those demonstrators, and in the evening, we shake hands and go home,” he stated.
However, Murkomen issued a stern warning against any attempts to turn protests violent or criminal.
“If it is a demonstration where we are mobilising gangs, people with violent intentions, unfortunately, I must say that the security architecture, the National Police Service, will have to do everything humanly possible to deal with all criminals who are going to cause chaos,” he said.
He reiterated that the government’s responsibility is to safeguard the country and prevent a slide into anarchy.
“We will take a very firm position to ensure that those who are going to cause chaos in our country are brought before the courts of law and held accountable because we cannot allow our country to degenerate into anarchy and chaos,” he asserted.
Murkomen also cautioned political leaders against what he termed the exploitation of young people during protests.
“Some leaders calling for protests and school closures have children studying abroad or are already grandparents, yet it is other people’s children who end up in the streets, being used for political gain at the expense of their safety and lives,” he remarked.
He stressed that no life or property should be lost during the demonstrations, appealing for calm and restraint across the political divide.
The CS further linked national stability to moral and institutional responsibility, urging leaders and citizens to act in the interest of future generations and to uphold peace during the planned protests.
