NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans to appreciate the government’s tolerance of public dissent, calling on protesters to exercise restraint ahead of the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Speaking during a State House breakfast with FKF Premier League champions on Tuesday, Murkomen defended Kenya’s record on civil liberties, pointing out that citizens freely express controversial views online without facing arrest — a scenario he claimed would not be tolerated in other democracies.
“In the UK, if any person tweeted or made a post saying they would be visiting Buckingham Palace, they would be picked from their homes,” Murkomen said. “In the U.S., if someone wrote on social media, ‘Let us go and invade the White House,’ the Secret Service would arrest them immediately.”
He added, “It is only in Kenya where a citizen can say they will invade Parliament, the Judiciary, State House, and they walk scot-free. Even when taken to court, they are released.”
Protest Concerns and Police Conduct
Murkomen questioned the motives of protesters expected to take to the streets on Wednesday, June 25, arguing that cases of police brutality — a central grievance of demonstrators — are already before the courts.
“You look at the reasons provided, and you find people looking for any excuse to come to the streets to cause mayhem and stone people’s businesses,” he said.
The CS praised the Kenya Police Service for what he called “professionalism under pressure,” noting that officers have shown restraint even when provoked.
“This is one of the most professional police services on the continent,” Murkomen said. “Kenya has the most difficult political environment to operate in as a police officer.”
He also acknowledged the difficult balance officers face: “On one hand, the police are extremely restricted in how they enforce law and order, and on the other, you have political leaders who are openly hostile to their work.”
Youth and Human Rights Groups Prepare for March
Murkomen’s remarks come as youth groups and civil society organizations prepare to hold memorial marches for those killed in last year’s protests.
The demonstrators are also expected to demand justice for victims of police brutality, including alleged enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions.
According to human rights watchdogs, at least 60 people were killed in the 2024 protests, with several others reported missing or abducted.
