Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen directs police to use minimal force during June 25 protests while warning of decisive action against criminal infiltrators.
With nationwide protests set for June 25, the Interior Ministry is walking a tight line between protecting public order and protecting lives.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed police officers to exercise minimal force and prioritize the protection of life during the planned demonstrations. At the same time, he warned that the government will not hesitate to act firmly against criminal elements who attempt to hijack what are meant to be peaceful protests.
Decisive Action, Within the Law
Speaking during a Citizen TV interview on Monday, June 22, Murkomen disclosed that officers have been instructed to deal decisively with goons who disrupt demonstrations — but strictly within constitutional limits, to avoid unnecessary deaths.
He was blunt about where the police stand when it comes to criminal infiltrators hiding among genuine protesters.
"We have no mechanism in the government of Kenya or the police service to establish a goon who is friendly to the police. All of them must be dealt with decisively," he said.
The CS confirmed he had personally directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to remind officers across the service of the constitutional provisions governing the use of force, reinforcing the need to minimize loss of life even in confrontational situations on the ground.
No Plans to Shut Down Media Houses
On press freedom, Murkomen sought to put fears to rest, ruling out any government move to shut down media houses during the protests. He described the media as a key partner in advancing democracy, not an adversary.
"The media is a partner of the government and the people of Kenya in advancing democracy," he said.
That said, the CS issued a pointed caution to journalists and social media users alike: avoid inflammatory reporting that could fan tensions on the ground.
"What I caution the media is that we should not use inflammatory statements during protests," he urged.
A Call for Coordination
Murkomen also appealed to protest organizers to work hand in hand with police ahead of the demonstrations, saying coordination between organizers and law enforcement would go a long way in ensuring orderly protests and enhancing public safety for everyone involved.
With the country marking a sensitive anniversary this week, the government's messaging signals an attempt to balance firm security control with public assurances of restraint — a balance Kenyans will be watching closely come June 25.
