Interior CS Murkomen Urges Kenyans to Exercise Restraint and Acknowledge State Leniency
He cited examples from countries like the UK and the US where, he claimed, law enforcement acts swiftly against online threats or provocative statements.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen urges Kenyans to exercise restraint and acknowledge government leniency amid rising public dissent. Photo/Capital FM.
By Brian Kiprop
Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans to exercise restraint and appreciate the government’s leniency in granting freedoms, especially amid growing public dissent and calls for protest.
Speaking during a breakfast event at State House on Tuesday with FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, Murkomen highlighted that Kenyans enjoy exceptional freedom of expression, particularly on social media, compared to other nations.
He cited examples from countries like the UK and the US where, he claimed, law enforcement acts swiftly against online threats or provocative statements.
“In Kenya, someone can openly declare plans to storm Parliament, the Judiciary, or even State House and still walk free. Even when such individuals are taken to court, they are quickly released,” Murkomen remarked. “In the UK or the US, such statements would result in immediate arrest—even from one’s home.”
He praised the Kenyan police for maintaining professionalism, particularly during the anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill protests, where demonstrators marched toward State House without facing harsh retaliation.
Murkomen questioned the motives of planned protests, arguing that current cases involving police brutality are already before the courts and accusing some demonstrators of using these incidents as a pretext to incite chaos and vandalize property.
“You see people looking for any excuse to get to the streets, not to protest peacefully, but to cause destruction,” he said.
Commending the National Police Service, Murkomen described it as one of the most professional forces on the continent, operating under extreme political and operational pressure.
“Kenya has one of the most difficult political environments for policing. Officers are heavily constrained, and at the same time, they face political leaders who often undermine their efforts,” he said.
Meanwhile, youth organizers say upcoming demonstrations will honor those killed during the 2024 protests while continuing to demand justice for victims of police brutality. Human rights organizations report that at least 60 people were killed during last year’s protests, with many others abducted or still missing.
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