Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly defended the government’s security record, dismissing criticism from opposition leaders and maintaining that the Kenya Kwanza administration has made significant strides in protecting the country, its people, and their property. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the presentation of the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to President William Ruto, Murkomen said the government remains firmly committed to strengthening national security while safeguarding constitutional rights.
The CS argued that critics who previously held senior government positions lack the moral authority to question the current administration’s handling of security, citing what he described as poor performance during their tenure. He challenged former leaders to present evidence of their achievements in improving security, asserting that the current government has delivered measurable progress in reducing insecurity, enhancing law enforcement, and improving coordination among security agencies under President Ruto’s leadership.
Murkomen emphasized that the government’s foremost responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all Kenyans by protecting lives, securing property, and strengthening surveillance along the country’s borders against emerging security threats. He noted that investments in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering, police reforms, and border management have enhanced the country’s capacity to respond to crime, terrorism, cross-border criminal activities, and other threats while ensuring that citizens continue to enjoy a safe environment for business and development.
The Interior CS also accused sections of the opposition of deliberately spreading propaganda aimed at inciting citizens against the government and creating political instability. He argued that repeated calls encouraging young people to normalize street protests have, in several instances, resulted in chaos, widespread looting, destruction of businesses, vandalism of public infrastructure, and loss of private property. According to Murkomen, while peaceful demonstrations remain a constitutional right, criminal elements have increasingly exploited such protests to engage in violence and unlawful activities that undermine public order.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional freedoms, Murkomen stressed that the rights to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition must always be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. He underscored the importance of distinguishing peaceful protesters from gangs, violent actors, arsonists, looters, and other criminals who infiltrate demonstrations to commit acts of violence. He assured Kenyans that security agencies will continue protecting lawful demonstrators while taking firm action against individuals involved in criminal acts that endanger lives and destroy property.
Drawing comparisons with established democracies such as New York and London, the CS noted that advanced societies maintain a clear distinction between legitimate protest and criminal conduct. He further called upon political leaders, the media, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote accurate reporting of protest-related events and avoid narratives that blur the line between peaceful civic action and criminal behavior. He maintained that responsible leadership is essential in preserving national unity, public confidence, and social stability.
Murkomen further revealed that the Ministry of Interior continues to implement reforms aimed at improving police professionalism, particularly in the management of public gatherings and demonstrations. He said enhanced training programs are intended to ensure security officers uphold human rights while effectively maintaining law and order. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to securing every part of the country, including border regions, Murkomen said the administration remains focused on protecting citizens, safeguarding investments, preserving peace, and creating a secure environment that supports Kenya’s economic growth and long-term national stability.
