NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 19 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a warning ahead of the planned June 25 Gen Z protests second year anniversary, saying the government will deal firmly with anyone who uses demonstrations to commit crimes.
Speaking in Nandi during the burial ceremony of the wife of veteran politician Henry Kosgey, Murkomen said the right to protest is protected by the Constitution but should not be used as a cover for violence, looting or destruction.
The CS said security agencies had started a nationwide crackdown on criminal groups he described as “goons”, accusing some politicians of using them to cause chaos.
“The problem with goons is not the people. It is not the young people. The problem is political leaders who deliberately recruit and use them because they have no alternative policies,” Murkomen said.
He claimed some leaders use criminal groups during political seasons before eventually losing control of them.
“When these goons gain power, they overwhelm even those who started them. Then they turn around and blame the government,” he added.
Murkomen said the government had already begun operations against criminal groups across the country, citing improved security in areas that previously experienced insecurity.
“We have commenced the process of a serious crackdown on all goons across the country. In places where people could not even walk freely, security operations have restored safety,” he said.
The CS warned that the crackdown would not target specific groups or political sides but would focus on individuals engaging in criminal activities.
“This work of fighting goons shall be indiscriminate. Goons are goons, and we will deal with them with finality,” Murkomen stated.
His remarks come ahead of the second anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests scheduled for June 25, with some groups planning demonstrations over governance issues and economic concerns.
Murkomen said leaders must take responsibility for their actions and avoid encouraging young people to participate in dangerous situations while staying away themselves.
“Leaders must lead by example. They should not cause problems and then come back to blame the government or the police,” he said.
He acknowledged that Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations but insisted that the law would be enforced against anyone involved in violence.
“Because the Constitution allows freedom of expression, freedom of picketing and demonstrations, that is your right,” Murkomen said.
“But anyone who will be in the streets with a machete, a stone, or anything to burn a police station, burn a court or loot businesses will meet the full force of the law,” he added.
Murkomen also said the government’s support for victims of past demonstrations should not be interpreted as allowing criminal acts.
“We are a responsible government. The President has apologised to Kenyans and supported those who suffered during demonstrations. But that does not mean we encourage criminals to terrorise citizens,” he said.
The CS urged Kenyans to maintain peace, saying security agencies would continue working to protect lives and property as the country approaches the planned demonstrations.
“We must make our country safe, and that is what we will do because we love this country,” Murkomen said.