Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern directive to the police, urging them to be “ruthless” in dealing with any armed protesters during the planned Gen Z demonstrations slated for Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The remarks came during a breakfast event with FKF Premier League champions at State House on Tuesday.
Murkomen revealed that the government had received official notice of the demonstrations from certain political figures. He accused unnamed leaders of allegedly purchasing weapons, including machetes and clubs, to incite violence during the protests, warning that the state will not allow lawlessness to prevail in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
“We have received a notice from some political actors who were recently champions of law and order but are now arming youth for chaos,” said Murkomen. “The National Police Service must be ruthless in dealing with such criminals to protect the country from descending into anarchy.”
He urged young people to reject political manipulation and focus on constructive avenues like sports. “The youth should be playing football, not engaging in running battles. We want to empower them—not see them used as pawns by political actors,” Murkomen added.
Reflecting on the June 25, 2023, storming of Parliament, the CS called it one of the most alarming security lapses in recent history. He drew comparisons with Western democracies, where he said such actions would lead to immediate arrests.
“In the UK or the U.S., merely posting plans to storm key government buildings online would prompt law enforcement to act swiftly. We must adopt the same seriousness,” he said.
Murkomen also extended an olive branch to families affected by the deadly anti-government protests of 2024, saying the government is ready to engage with them.
“Our doors are open to the families who lost loved ones. We are willing to support them and hold genuine dialogue without political interference,” he noted.
He lauded the police for their patriotism, despite operating under economic and logistical constraints, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to law and order.
