Police Will Be Ruthless on Armed Protesters, CS Murkomen Warns

Interior Cabinet Secretary issues stern directive ahead of planned Gen Z demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to law enforcement agencies, directing them to deal firmly with armed protesters during planned Gen Z demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Speaking at a breakfast event with FKF Premier League champions at State House on Monday, Murkomen confirmed that the government had received official notice of the planned protests from political figures, expressing concerns about potential violence in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

“We have received a notice from some political actors who, just a few months ago, were defending law and order and condemning chaos. Now they are reportedly purchasing machetes and clubs to distribute to young people to cause unrest in town,” Murkomen stated during the event.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that security forces must take decisive action against what he termed criminal elements seeking to disrupt peace in the capital.

“The National Police Service must be ruthless in dealing with such criminals because we want this country to uphold law and order—not descend into anarchy—so that everyone can thrive,” he declared.

Murkomen called on young Kenyans to engage in constructive pursuits rather than being manipulated by politicians for violent purposes.

He stressed that sports and other developmental activities should be the focus for the country’s youth.

“Young people in this country should not be engaged in running battles in the streets. They should be playing football. We want to give them opportunities to grow, not to be used by political actors to incite violence,” the CS said.

In a significant development, Murkomen announced the government’s willingness to engage with families affected by the deadly 2024 anti-government protests.

The CS indicated readiness to provide support and engage in meaningful dialogue.

“As a ministry, we are prepared to meet the families of those who tragically lost their children during last year’s political unrest. Regardless of the circumstances, we’re open to dialogue, ready to sit down with the families and explore how best we can support them,” he stated.

The Interior CS also suggested that President William Ruto is open to meeting these families, urging political actors to step aside and allow direct engagement.

Murkomen defended Kenya’s security personnel, describing them as patriotic citizens operating under challenging economic conditions and limited resources.

“Despite the difficult challenges, the tough economic situation, and limited resources, they remain committed. These men and women in uniform are the backbone of peace and order in our country,” he said.

The CS drew comparisons with security protocols in developed nations, citing the June 25, 2024 incident when protesters stormed Parliament as one of Kenya’s most unfortunate security breaches.

“In the UK, if someone even tweeted that they were going to Buckingham Palace or 10 Downing Street, they would be arrested at home and charged. In the U.S., a social media post suggesting an invasion of the White House would result in the Secret Service showing up at their door,” Murkomen explained.

The CS’s statements have generated mixed reactions from the public, with some questioning the timing and approach of the warnings.

Critics have raised concerns about the escalation of rhetoric ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Social media commentary suggests skepticism about the government’s claims regarding armed protesters, with some calling for evidence of weapon purchases to be made public.

The planned demonstrations are part of ongoing Gen Z-led protests that have become a significant feature of Kenya’s political landscape.

These protests have previously addressed issues of governance, economic policies, and youth empowerment.

The 2024 anti-government protests referenced by Murkomen resulted in casualties and significant political tensions, with the June 25 Parliament incident marking a watershed moment in recent Kenyan political history.

As Wednesday approaches, all eyes will be on how both protesters and security forces conduct themselves, with the CS’s directive adding a new dimension to an already tense political environment.

The government’s dual approach of showing willingness for dialogue while issuing stern warnings reflects the complex nature of managing public demonstrations in Kenya’s evolving democratic space.