Murkomen stands by police amid bid to prosecute him over Gen Z protest killings

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly defended police officers over the deaths that occurred during recent anti-government protests, stating that he will not shy away from standing by the Inspector General and the entire security team.

Murkomen spoke a day after activist and former presidential aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame filed a petition at the High Court seeking leave to privately prosecute senior security officials—including CS Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin—over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Gen Z-led protests in 2024 and 2025. 

In his petition, filed through Gitobu Imanyara & Company Advocates, Kigame accuses the named officials and other state actors of orchestrating or enabling a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators protesting high taxes, mass youth unemployment, and rising living costs.

The protests, which were largely led by young Kenyans mobilized online, were met with what Kigame describes as a "widespread and systematic attack" by state agents, resulting in civilian deaths, torture, abduction, and disappearances.

Speaking on Friday during a tour of Kajiado County to assess the security situation and engage local security teams under the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, the CS dared critics threatening legal action to proceed, insisting that the State acted within the law.

“I'm very confident. We have worked diligently and given another chance, we shall do it again. I know the Penal Code. I defend the IG and those mentioned. Those criticizing us have not spoken about the people who died during the anarchy. I teach the law, and we are going to stand firm. We will not be intimidated,” he said.

Murkomen reiterated that the government will not allow destruction of public property such as courts and police stations during protests, and that order must prevail.

He acknowledged that 60% of police stations across the country are still colonial-era structures, adding that the government is committed to modernizing them.

“The housing project for police officers had stalled, but we must now complete it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of dignified living and working conditions for the police force.

Murkomen also touched on porous borders, human-wildlife conflict, and rising insecurity in Kitengela, Ngong, and Kiserian, noting that these remain top priorities for the Ministry of Interior.

He confirmed that the East African Community (EAC) is functioning smoothly, and that free movement between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania continues to enhance regional cooperation and trade.

The CS also addressed Kenya’s readiness to host major sporting events, including the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

“We are well-prepared. We have put in place tight security measures at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, including installation of CCTV cameras and increased police patrols,” he said.

To prevent crowding and potential stampedes, Murkomen said that tickets will be purchased online, and that the government is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure fan safety.

“Harambee Stars will shine. We want to give them a safe and supportive environment,” added the Interior CS.