CS Murkomen calls for tough sentences for violent protesters
He urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to work closely with the executive in ensuring that those responsible for burning police stations, torching courts, and looting during the protests are held to account.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on the judiciary to take strong action against individuals linked to recent violent protests that left public property destroyed and hundreds arrested.
Speaking on Saturday during a development tour in Elgeyo Marakwet with President William Ruto, Murkomen insisted that those behind the destruction must face harsh legal consequences.
“They wanted to test whether we would take legal action. We will arrest all criminals who are attacking people and burning their property,” Murkomen stated.
He urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to work closely with the executive in ensuring that those responsible for burning police stations, torching courts, and looting during the protests are held to account. Murkomen said what was witnessed during the recent demonstrations had gone beyond what the Constitution permits.
“We have seen demonstrations before, but what we witnessed recently is unprecedented: goons burning police stations, stealing guns, and torching courts. That’s not what Article 37 of our Constitution provides for,” he said.
The Interior CS also warned political leaders accused of supporting or inciting the violent acts, saying they too would face legal action regardless of their position.
“Any leader, whether an MCA, MP, governor, or whatever position, will have their day in court,” he added.
His remarks came in the wake of the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, which turned violent in several towns. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that more than 500 people were arrested during the protests.
KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris confirmed in a July 8 statement that hundreds of arrests had been recorded by the evening of the protest day. The Saba Saba demonstration, meant to honour the 1990 struggle for multiparty democracy, spiralled into chaos with widespread damage to businesses and public infrastructure.
While many of those arrested have since been released, some remain in custody. On July 9, 111 individuals arrested in Laikipia County were granted cash bail of Ksh 50,000 each. Separately, 125 protesters were released by the Makadara Law Courts.
However, nine people accused of looting a supermarket in Nairobi are still being held and are awaiting court proceedings.
