Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ignited controversy after accusing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and its president, Faith Odhiambo, of siding with individuals facing terrorism charges following recent nationwide protests. His remarks come amid growing public outrage over the government’s use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) to prosecute protestors.
Speaking during a press briefing, Murkomen criticized the LSK for what he termed as misplaced priorities, accusing the legal body of prioritizing the rights of suspects over the safety of ordinary Kenyans and business owners affected by the demonstrations.
“LSK should not spend a lot of energy to seek lenient bail terms for terrorists,” said Murkomen. “Courts should not be intimidated into issuing easy bond and bail.” He called on legal experts to offer a clear interpretation of POTA and support the government’s efforts to restore public order.
Murkomen defended the government’s decision to charge some protesters with terrorism, arguing that the state has “water-tight evidence,” including CCTV footage and communication records, linking the suspects to orchestrated chaos and violence. He warned that politicians who incite unrest or mobilize gangs will be restricted from accessing sensitive areas.
The backlash against the use of POTA has been swift. LSK president Faith Odhiambo strongly opposed the move, warning that applying anti-terrorism laws to protestors risks undermining constitutional freedoms. “Protesters should not be charged with terrorism. The investigating agencies must show and prove that there was a clear intent to cause terrorism,” she stated.
Legal experts and civil rights activists have joined the chorus of criticism, warning that the charges are draconian and designed to suppress dissent. The Prevention of Terrorism Act, enacted in 2012, was intended to address genuine threats to national security not peaceful protests or civil disobedience.
Murkomen’s statements come as tensions rise nationwide following President William Ruto’s controversial “shoot on the leg” directive and calls by some lawmakers to reintroduce “shoot to kill” measures. Human rights organizations have urged the government to uphold the rule of law and protect the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.