“This Was Terror, Not Protest” — CS Murkomen Speaks After Dark Day Of Violence

By Gladys Yator |

What began as a peaceful protest on June 25 turned deadly, leaving more than 10 people dead and over 400 injured, including nearly 300 police officers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the chaos as “terrorism disguised as dissent,” citing deliberate attacks on police, government buildings, courts, churches, and private property. Five police stations were torched, nine others attacked, and 88 police vehicles destroyed.

Firearms were stolen, homes of politicians targeted, and a Catholic Church property in Embu set ablaze. Protesters reportedly shouted slogans like “Occupy State House,” which Murkomen said pointed to a politically driven agenda.

He praised the police for restraint and held up Mombasa as an example of peaceful protest. Investigations are ongoing, with the CS promising no immunity for financiers or planners of the violence.

Calling for dialogue, Murkomen urged Kenyans to reject violence, warning that new legal measures may be introduced to safeguard peaceful assembly.