NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ruled out government compensation for victims whose properties were destroyed or looted during the chaotic June 25 protests, saying there is no budgetary provision for such payments.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Murkomen said it is up to Parliament to pass legislation that would not only define compensation for protest-related losses but also hold organisers accountable for damage and impose stiffer penalties.
“Unfortunately, Parliament has not allocated a budget for compensating those whose properties were looted in such situations and we don’t have any allocation as a government to do so,” Murkomen stated.
The CS argued that without a proper legal framework, the burden of recurring protest-related damage would become unsustainable for taxpayers.
“If we were to provide a budget that compensates people all the time whenever properties are looted, then the best law is that protest organisers should bear the greatest responsibility,” he said.
Call for Protest Regulation
Murkomen called for structured and well-regulated demonstrations, referencing the peaceful protests held in Mombasa as a model.
“That is why we insist on a law defining where the organisers will hold their demos, what time and where. Mombasa is an example of how public protests should occur.”
Although the government will not offer financial compensation, Murkomen said some leaders are considering making personal contributions to assist those who suffered substantial losses.
Chaos and Blame
The Interior CS painted a grim picture of Wednesday’s nationwide demonstrations, claiming the protests were infiltrated by criminals and “goons” who caused destruction until late in the night.
“The destruction went all the way to midnight. Goons were brought from Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga… on their way home, they went causing havoc and mayhem. The police were overwhelmed.”
According to Murkomen, criminals looted property worth billions of shillings, targeting businesses such as supermarkets, electronics stores, and restaurants. He alleged the violence was politically instigated and described the looters as “thugs and robbers.”
The protests, led primarily by Gen Z demonstrators, were initially meant to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, but quickly escalated into chaos in parts of Nairobi and at least twenty counties.
