NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a blistering attack on the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and its president, Faith Odhiambo, accusing the legal body of defending individuals accused of terrorism in connection with recent anti-government protests.
Speaking on Wednesday amid growing criticism of the government’s response to demonstrations, Murkomen defended the State’s use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) to charge suspects arrested during the unrest.
He dismissed concerns raised by the LSK and human rights groups, insisting that the charges are justified and supported by “water-tight evidence.”
“LSK should not spend a lot of energy seeking lenient bail terms for terrorists,” said Murkomen. “Courts should not be intimidated into issuing easy bond and bail.”
The Interior CS further accused the LSK of standing “on the wrong side of history” by focusing on legal protections for suspects instead of showing solidarity with citizens and business owners who suffered losses during the protests.
He called on the legal fraternity to provide a clear interpretation of POTA, asserting that the law allows the State to punish not only acts of terror but also support for terrorism, including incitement and use of forged documents.
“There is strong evidence against the terror suspects. We will rely on CCTV and communication records,” he said, adding that politicians who incite or sponsor public disorder would be restricted from accessing affected areas.
LSK Pushes Back
LSK president Faith Odhiambo has criticized the government’s application of terrorism charges to protesters, warning that it represents a dangerous misinterpretation of the law.
“Protesters should not be charged with terrorism,” she said. “The investigating agencies must prove there was clear intent to commit acts of terror. Otherwise, this is an abuse of the criminal justice system.”
The use of POTA in protest-related arrests has triggered alarm among legal experts and opposition leaders, who say the charges are a ploy to silence dissent.
Critics argue that the government is criminalizing civil unrest and suppressing constitutionally protected rights under the guise of national security.
Rising Tensions Over Government Crackdown
Murkomen’s remarks come in the wake of widespread outrage over President William Ruto’s recent “shoot on the leg” directive, issued amid violent anti-government protests that rocked several towns.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech also sparked controversy by calling for a return to a “shoot to kill” policy.
Human rights organisations have condemned what they term an increasingly heavy-handed State response to public demonstrations.
They warn that excessive use of force and broad legal interpretations, such as applying POTA to protesters, could signal a slide into authoritarianism.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act, enacted in 2012, provides a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related offences.
However, its application in the current context has drawn scrutiny, with legal observers warning that misuse of the law could set a dangerous precedent for civil liberties in Kenya.
