NYANDARUA, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned politicians against inciting violence, saying those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
Speaking in Nyandarua, Murkomen said the county has largely enjoyed peace despite recent isolated incidents of violent protests.
He accused some political leaders of exploiting youth to stage destructive demonstrations.
“We have challenges of late when it comes to public protests. Political organisers have been using and misusing young people to organise violent demonstrations,” Murkomen said.
The CS cautioned planners and executors of violence, stressing that no one will be spared regardless of their social or political standing.
He cited cases where police stations, vehicles, and private property were torched, warning that such offences amount to terrorism.
“If you burn a police station, vehicles, or someone’s supermarket, the charges that will be brought before court are those related to terror,” he said.
Murkomen noted that many of those fuelling unrest in Nyandarua were outsiders imported from other regions, describing the trend as regrettable.
He, however, affirmed that the government supports constitutional freedoms of assembly and demonstration, provided they remain peaceful and lawful.
“Those who want to hold any barazas or rallies must notify authorities. We will provide security. We have no problem with any party or politician, so long as their rally is peaceful and does not disrupt the rights of others,” Murkomen stated.
He assured that police are ready to facilitate peaceful demonstrations, but warned that burning, looting, or violence will not be tolerated.
“We are committed to peace, and the police are always on standby to provide security for demonstrators to exercise their freedoms in a lawful and peaceful manner,” he said.
