NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday condemned the violence that rocked Nairobi during the June 25 protests, blaming what he described as “organized gangs” for hijacking otherwise peaceful demonstrations and causing widespread destruction.
In a statement issued after touring affected areas in the capital, Murkomen said he was “taken aback” by the scale of damage inflicted on small businesses and public infrastructure.
“What began as a constitutionally protected expression of public concern was sadly hijacked by criminal elements,” said the CS. “This kind of lawlessness not only undermines the spirit of our democracy but causes unnecessary suffering for innocent Kenyans.”
This morning, I assessed the situation in our capital city, prioritizing a visit to small-scale traders affected by yesterday’s protests in Nairobi. I was taken aback by the unfortunate incidents of violence that marred the protests. What began as a constitutionally protected
Murkomen said hundreds of traders had lost property and livelihoods in the chaos, and pledged that the government would move swiftly to restore normalcy and support recovery efforts for those affected.
He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, and senior Nairobi security officers during the Thursday morning assessment.
The CS’s remarks come amid heightened public anger and growing scrutiny of the state’s handling of the Gen Z-led protests, which began peacefully before turning chaotic in several parts of the city.
Shops were looted, some buildings vandalized, and clashes erupted between police and protesters in the Central Business District and surrounding estates.
While acknowledging the public’s right to peaceful assembly, Murkomen emphasized the need to uphold law and order.
“As a government, our hearts go out to the traders, workers, and residents whose livelihoods were disrupted,” he said. “We are committed to enhancing security and ensuring this does not happen again.”
The government has yet to confirm whether any arrests have been made in connection with the violence or looting, but investigations are reportedly underway.
