Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen talking to a businessman while he accessed the destruction caused by protests on June, Thursday 26. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen X.
After visiting Nairobi CBD to access the impact and aftermath of June 25 anniversary protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the protests, terming it as a form of anarchy.
While addressing the nation after accessing the extent of destruction witnessed yesterday, Murkomen added that the protesters were hiding under peaceful protests to loot and cause mayhem.
“What unfolded yesterday was not a protest. It was terrorism disguised as dissent. There was no peaceful demonstration, it was riots, chaos and anarchy. We condemn the criminal anarchist who in the name of peaceful demonstrations unlashed a wave of violence, looting sexual assault, and destruction of property,” he stated.
According to him, more than 400 people were injured across the country, with over close to 300 victims being police officers, while over 10 Kenyans losing their lives following the protests. Murkomen further stated that the protesters targeted government institution and officers on duty, which witnesses massive destruction and attacks.
Murkomen said that nine police stations were attacked, five of which were torched including Dagoretti, Molo and Ol Kalou, as 88 police vehicles destroyed. Additionally, 27 National and County Government vehicles were destroyed, with 65 civilian vehicles including a school bus were destroyed.
“the criminals were aiming at the officers on duty. They were after guns in the armouries and police uniforms. Five firearms were stolen in Dagoretti Police Post, Kiambu County, while four were burnt at Gachui Police Post, by the very criminals who hid behind the pretense of a peaceful protest,” Murkomen said.
The criminals according to the CS targeted kiosks, supermarkets, electronic shops and restaurants, including government structures, residential premises and businesses were burnt, citing a building owned by the Catholic Church in Embu County.
“Government offices including courts, National government and County Offices were looted and burnt. Businesses worth billions of shillings, were massively looted,” Murkomen confirmed.
The protests witnessed critical infrastructure vandalised, with Murkomen raising concern on targeted attack against the supporters of government and their businesses, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah, Molo MP Kimani Kuria, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, Mbeere MP Bernard Muruiki and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
“This was not just violence. It was an orchestrated campaign of terror, an assault on our people, our Constitution, our institutions, our values, and the very soul of our Republic,” he stated.
Murkomen assured affected Kenyans that the government will bring to book all the criminals involved in the destruction, looting of their properties.
“Rest assured that the government will pursue justice relentlessly on behalf of all affected Kenyans. No person will be spared regardless of their political or financial status,” he affirmed.
He further argued that the move was to intimidate leaders and Kenyans allied to the government. Murkomen lauded Mombasa protests, which was peaceful adding that it aligned with Article 37 of the constitution.
