LAMU, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has condemned the violence that marred the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County, where journalists and students from Butere Girls High School were caught in a chaotic fracas involving police and politicians.
Speaking out about the incident, Murkomen expressed deep regret over the events that transpired during the festival, which saw the students and media members subjected to physical intimidation.
The CS stressed that such actions are not in line with the government’s commitment to protect freedom of speech and press.
“It is regrettable and I apologise,” Murkomen said. “It is not the intention of the government to attack or hurt any journalist or citizen. We are fully committed to protecting the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in our Constitution.”
While condemning the violence, Murkomen promised swift action against any security officials found to have used excessive force during the confrontation.
“We will investigate and establish whether this incident was accidental or intentional, and appropriate action will be taken,” he added.
Murkomen also used the opportunity to address the issue of politicians using the event to settle political scores at the expense of the students.
“Let’s maintain a clear boundary between politics and education. We cannot allow innocent schoolchildren to be dragged into these political games,” he urged.
He pointed out that education should remain free from political interference, stressing that the right to teach and learn should not be compromised by external factors.
Murkomen specifically called into question the involvement of a politician in scripting the play that was at the center of the controversy.
He noted that teachers are bound by the national curriculum, and any external influence could undermine the integrity of educational processes.
“The teachers are professionals who should stick to the syllabus. They must ensure the children are taught correctly, without political interference,” Murkomen stated. “Schools should leave the educational process to qualified educators.”
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, Murkomen emphasized that those arrested in connection with the altercation should be subjected to the law without delay.
“The law must be followed. Anyone arrested must be presented in court within 24 hours, and if the investigation is ongoing, they should be granted bail as required by law,” he said.
Murkomen’s remarks came as part of his ongoing tour in Lamu, which is focused on improving security and addressing various challenges faced by the county.
On the fourth day of his Jukwaa la Usalama tour, the CS noted the significant progress made by the Multi-Agency Team in curbing security threats, despite persistent challenges such as inadequate housing and mobility for officers.
“We have seen notable improvements in security here over the last decade,” Murkomen acknowledged, particularly in light of the county’s history of terror attacks. “The Multi-Agency Team has done tremendous work despite challenges. We appreciate the peace that is being enjoyed here, even with the threats posed by porous borders.”
During his visit, Murkomen also addressed ongoing issues of land disputes in the region, reaffirming that any officers found implicated in land invasions would face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he asserted.
The CS’s tour also focused on border security, drug trafficking, and the welfare of frontline officers, with Murkomen visiting the Lamu Command Centre to interact with security officials.
He was accompanied by key local leaders, including Governor Issa Timamy, Senator Joseph Githuku, and MPs Obo Ruweida and Stanley Muthama, as well as senior security officials.
