Murkomen Assures Protection for Peaceful Protesters, Warns Criminal Ahead of June 25 Demonstrations

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that the government will protect citizens exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully, while warning that authorities will firmly deal with criminals seeking to exploit the planned June 25 protests.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Murkomen said the National Police Service had received notification from citizens intending to hold public demonstrations and would provide security to ensure the protests are conducted peacefully and within the law. He cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.

However, the Interior CS raised concerns over intelligence reports indicating that some political actors were allegedly mobilising gangs and criminals armed with crude weapons to infiltrate the protests and cause destruction. He said such individuals intended to attack businesses and innocent civilians under the cover of legitimate demonstrations.

Murkomen announced that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already launched investigations into claims of individuals sponsoring violent activities. He warned that anyone found engaging in looting, destruction of property or other criminal acts would face the full force of the law. He added that security agencies had been placed on high alert to ensure public safety.

At the same time, the CS maintained that Thursday would remain a normal working and school day, urging parents to allow children to attend school and citizens to continue with their daily activities. He called on peaceful protesters to distance themselves from criminal elements should they encounter them during the demonstrations, saying such cooperation would help law enforcement officers maintain order.

Murkomen also dismissed allegations that the government works with or condones criminal gangs, insisting that security agencies had been instructed to deal decisively with all lawbreakers without fear or favour. He appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and uphold peace, order and constitutional values as the country marks one year since the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of 2025.