Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s strong stance on pursuing terrorism charges against individuals involved in violent protests.
Speaking in Eldoret during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements in Uasin Gishu County, the CS condemned the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for allegedly siding with offenders instead of protecting innocent Kenyans whose property has been destroyed in recent unrest.
“The Prevention of Terrorism Act is clear and unambiguous,” he stated. “Acts such as orchestrating violence, endangering lives, using explosives, damaging public infrastructure, or interfering with essential services clearly qualify as terrorism. How else do we define those who hurl petrol bombs at courts and burn down critical infrastructure?”
Murkomen urged the judiciary to resist pressure to issue lenient bail terms to suspects facing terrorism-related charges, reiterating that the courts must uphold justice for the public.
He criticized LSK President Faith Odhiambo, accusing her of overstepping her role by pre-judging the strength of the State’s case.
“I watched the LSK President’s interview, and she sounded like she was sitting in judgment. How does she know the evidence isn’t watertight? Determining thresholds is the court’s job,” said the CS.
Murkomen challenged Odhiambo to either support the rule of law by respecting due process or act as a defence lawyer representing suspects in court. He further urged the LSK and the opposition to advocate for lawful avenues of expression and peaceful demonstrations.
“I expected the LSK and the Opposition to stand with us on this. Only then can we secure future protests that are peaceful and lawful,” he said.
He also called on former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, who oversaw the enactment of the Prevention of Terrorism Act during his tenure as National Assembly Speaker, to remind leaders of the law’s intent and discourage the politicization of public disorder.
