KAJIADO, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed threats of International Criminal Court (ICC) action against top security officials over their handling of recent anti-government protests, vowing not to be intimidated by what he termed as “anarchists hiding behind international law.”
Speaking in Kajiado County on Friday, Murkomen firmly stood by the conduct of security agencies, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, saying they acted within the law to protect lives and property during the demonstrations.
“I will not be scared by ICC threats. Scare somebody else—not the people who know the law,” he said. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and will defend our officers who serve with diligence and patriotism.”
ICC Threats and Protest Violence
Murkomen’s remarks follow a petition filed by politician Reuben Kagame, accusing the CS, IG Kanja, and DCI boss Amin of violating the rights of protestors during the recent demonstrations.
The petition references the use of force and detentions during protests that turned violent in parts of the country.
But Murkomen was adamant that the security forces had acted in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws to counter what he described as “coordinated acts of terror and destruction by anarchists.”
“Security is not a playground. This ministry will not give room for experiments or appeasement of individuals who destroy public property and harm law enforcement officers,” said the CS.
He defended officers accused of heavy-handedness during the protests, saying they were responding to unlawful acts, including the burning of police stations and the lynching of suspects, citing the Ol Kalou incident.
“I Know the Law, and So Do My Officers”
Murkomen added that he was well-versed with international and local legal frameworks, including the Rome Statute and Kenya’s Penal Code, and would defend any officer who acted lawfully to protect the nation.
“We are not ignorant. We know the Rome Statute. We know our obligations and we also know when people are simply trying to weaponize justice to advance a political narrative,” he added.
He called out critics for focusing on police actions while ignoring the violence allegedly committed by protesters, including attacks on government installations and security personnel.
Reiterating his ministry’s resolve, Murkomen said the government would continue to defend Kenya’s constitutional order and would not allow chaos to prevail under the guise of civic action.
“Our mission remains clear: to protect Kenyans, their property, and the sovereignty of our nation from those seeking to destabilize the country,” he declared.
