Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concern over what he described as a worrying level of freedom in Kenya, where individuals can threaten to storm top state offices without facing arrest or punishment.

He said such behaviour would not be tolerated in countries like the United Kingdom or the United States.

Speaking on Tuesday, June 24, Murkomen noted that in other countries, simply suggesting an invasion of a government building on social media would be enough to warrant immediate action by authorities.

“It is only in Kenya where a citizen can say they will invade Parliament, the judiciary, and visit State House and still walk scott free, not charged. And even when they are taken to court, they are released and told, 'you can just go home,” he said.

He gave examples of how governments in other parts of the world act swiftly in response to such threats.

“In the UK, for example, if any person just tweeted or posted on social saying they will be visiting Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, or parliament, nobody will wait for them to come to the streets. They will be picked from their own houses, and they will be charged,” said Murkomen.

He said the United States also treats such threats seriously, noting that the Secret Service would respond immediately if someone hinted at invading the White House.

His statements come just a day before mass protests planned for Wednesday, June 25, which coincide with the anniversary of last year’s demonstrations. This year’s protests are intended to remember those who lost their lives during the confrontations led mostly by young people.

A number of Kenyans have expressed their intention to march to State House to demand justice for the lives lost during the previous protests. The call has gained support from political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who on Saturday, June 21, encouraged Kenyans to show up in large numbers to honour the victims.

“I urge all Kenyans to join this solemn tribute. Come out and lay flowers for our young patriots who paid the ultimate price for a better Kenya. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten or diminished. Their blood must not be in vain,” Kalonzo stated.

As preparations for the protests continue, the National Police Service has warned businesses in Nairobi’s central business district not to employ private guards to protect their shops during the demonstrations.

Murkomen also criticised those organising the protests, especially among Gen Z, saying their reasons for going to the streets seem unclear and suspicious. “You hear people talking about wanting to go to the streets for mandamano and so forth, and you wonder—what exactly is the reason?” he said while attending a breakfast event at State House with Kenya Police, the FKF Premier League Champions.

“You look at the reasons given, and many don’t hold up. It’s as if they are simply looking for excuses to cause mayhem and disrupt businesses,” he added.

The CS expressed his support for police officers, calling them dedicated and loyal, despite facing difficult working conditions. He said the officers are doing their best to maintain peace across the country. "Despite the difficult challenges, the economic situation, and limited facilities, they remain dedicated. These men and women in uniform are the backbone of peace and order in our country,” he said.

Murkomen brought up the events of June 25, 2024, when protestors forced their way into Parliament. He described the incident as one of the most serious security failures the country has seen in recent years and warned that such events would not be allowed in developed democracies.

“In the UK, if someone even tweeted that they were going to Buckingham Palace or 10 Downing Street, they would be picked up from their house and charged. In the U.S., a social media post suggesting an invasion of the White House would bring the Secret Service to your door,” he explained.

“It is only in Kenya where someone can publicly declare plans to invade Parliament, the Judiciary, or even State House and still walk free. And when taken to court, they’re released and allowed to go home.”

He added that due to the frequent protests, the police are now forced to spend a lot of time preparing and simulating responses, which puts even more pressure on them and drains their resources.

Murkomen urged the public to think carefully about the need for peace and the role that the security forces play in keeping the country safe and stable. He ended by reminding Kenyans of the importance of discipline and unity.