NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of failing to act on intelligence about planned violence ahead of the June 25 anniversary protests.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua questioned why the government had not prevented criminal activity if, as Murkomen said during a press briefing on Wednesday, security agencies had intelligence that criminal gangs were planning to infiltrate the demonstrations.
“The first and most important duty of the police is deterrence of crime,” Gachagua said, arguing that law enforcement should stop criminal acts before they occur rather than respond after property has been destroyed.
He challenged the Interior CS to explain what action had been taken following the reported intelligence, asking whether the government lacked the capacity or willingness to stop those allegedly planning violence.
“If he is aware of their plans, why can’t he stop them?” Gachagua posed.
The former deputy president also questioned Murkomen’s remarks that opposition politicians were allegedly mobilising criminal gangs and that some political leaders and businesspeople could be targeted during the protests.
Gachagua argued that if the government had credible intelligence identifying potential victims and perpetrators, it had a responsibility to deploy adequate security and prevent any attacks from taking place.
He further alleged that individuals responsible for violence during previous demonstrations had enjoyed protection from the state, claims that the government has consistently denied.
Gachagua also criticised what he described as political interference in police operations, saying operational matters fall under the mandate of the Inspector General of Police rather than the Interior Cabinet Secretary.
“The National Police Service is supposed to be independent. The Minister should comment on policy. The Inspector General is in charge of operations,” he said.
He urged Murkomen to focus on ensuring public safety during the nationwide demonstrations instead of issuing warnings about possible unrest.
Murkomen, during Wednesday’s briefing, warned that security agencies had received intelligence indicating that criminal elements intended to infiltrate the protests. He said police would protect lives and property while taking firm action against anyone engaging in violence, looting or destruction of property.
The government has maintained that it supports peaceful demonstrations conducted within the law but will not tolerate criminal activity during the commemorations.
But police and armed goons often disrupt the protests despite these assurances.