Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has finally spoken after the chaos, deaths, and widespread looting that occurred during the Saba Saba Day protests held on Monday, July 7.
In a detailed statement, Murkomen defended the decision by police to block several major roads in and out of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), saying the move was aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding property.
According to the CS, the increased police presence and roadblocks were part of broader security measures meant to prevent the kind of destruction witnessed in previous protests.
He acknowledged that while these measures caused a lot of inconvenience to the public—especially those commuting to work—they played a critical role in minimizing violence, theft, and damage to businesses and infrastructure.
“The intention behind these strict security measures was to keep our people safe and secure their properties,” Murkomen said.
He went on to commend law enforcement officers for their dedication and effort during the demonstrations. “This evening, I personally toured Nairobi City to thank our security officers who were on duty, ensuring peace and protecting lives and property,” he stated.
The CS noted that compared to the violent protests on June 25, the level of destruction and unrest on Saba Saba Day was significantly reduced, a result he credited to the proactive actions taken by the police.
On the morning of the protests, many Kenyans found major roads blocked by police as authorities tried to stop demonstrators from accessing the CBD, which had been identified as a likely hotspot for protests.
However, these road closures severely disrupted public transportation and business activities, affecting both employed and self-employed Kenyans.
Murkomen expressed sympathy for those affected by the transport paralysis but insisted the disruptions were necessary under the circumstances. “We truly regret the inconvenience experienced by citizens who were unable to reach their places of work.
However, the priority was the safety of every Kenyan and the protection of businesses and public property,” he said.
In addition to his defense of the security measures, Murkomen also announced that investigations would be launched immediately to identify and prosecute those who took part in violent acts and looting during the protests.
He referenced the earlier June 25 demonstrations, noting that several individuals arrested during that unrest had already been arraigned in court.
“The suspects responsible for the destruction and chaos on June 25 have been charged in court. The same process will apply to those who were involved in today’s incidents—they will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice,” he emphasized.
Tragically, the aftermath of the Saba Saba protests saw reports of at least 11 people losing their lives across the country. The National Police Service (NPS) also reported that 11 others sustained injuries, though some sources claim the actual number of injured could be much higher.
Furthermore, 52 police officers were reported to have been injured while trying to control the demonstrations. Out of Kenya’s 47 counties, 23 reportedly experienced some form of protest activity during the Saba Saba Day unrest.
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