NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen arrived at his office before dawn on Wednesday, sending a message of vigilance and readiness as Kenya braces for nationwide Gen Z-led protests marking the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Murkomen, who was at Harambee House as early as 5am, shared images of himself walking the streets of Nairobi, engaging with police officers and commuters. In a brief post on X, he wrote: “We have a nation to keep and build,” adding that the government will do everything necessary to protect lives and livelihoods.
“On my way to work this morning, I met so many Kenyans who were up early and making their way to their daily hustles,” said the CS. “We shall do everything to protect everyone and their livelihoods.”
We have a Nation to keep and build.On my way to work this morning, I met so many Kenyans who were up early and making their way to their daily hustles. We shall do everything to protect everyone and their livelihoods.I appreciate all our men and women in uniform who keep us
He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli.
The top security trio was seen assessing the situation in Nairobi’s central business district and interacting with citizens and law enforcement officers on duty.
The government’s early morning show of presence comes amid rising public anxiety over the planned protests, which organisers say will honour victims of last year’s police crackdown.
At least 61 people were killed during the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, according to human rights groups.
Murkomen’s comments reflect the state’s broader messaging ahead of the protests—urging calm while signalling that law enforcement will be firm in maintaining public order.
“I appreciate all our men and women in uniform who keep us all safe and secure,” the CS added.
Security has been beefed up across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other major towns, with the National Police Service confirming receipt of protest notifications, and vowing to facilitate lawful demonstrations.
Despite government appeals for dialogue, organisers say the protest will go on, calling for accountability over unresolved cases of police brutality and a rollback of economic policies they say have hurt Kenya’s youth.
