Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come under fire for linking recent anti-government protesters to terrorism, with Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo strongly criticizing his remarks.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Odhiambo firmly stated that only the courts have the power to determine whether someone is a terrorist, not politicians or Cabinet secretaries.
She emphasized that legal processes must be followed, regardless of the nature of the accusations.
Murkomen had earlier accused LSK of siding with what he called “terrorists” after the organization challenged the heavy terrorism charges and strict bail terms imposed on demonstrators who were arrested during the nationwide protests.
“I want to make it very clear,” Murkomen said. “Anyone who burns police stations, loots supermarkets, torches government property, or steals firearms should be treated as a criminal. These are acts of terrorism, and it’s wrong to sugarcoat them.”
In response, Odhiambo defended the LSK’s stance, saying the group was merely protecting constitutional rights guaranteed to all Kenyans, including those accused of crimes. She pointed out that Murkomen was misrepresenting the law and overstepping his role.
“It’s not Murkomen’s place to decide who is or isn’t a terrorist,” she said. “That’s for the Judiciary to decide, based on evidence and legal standards. Our Constitution clearly outlines this process.
Article 50 states that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Article 49 guarantees every suspect the right to legal representation. These are the laws we are upholding.”
She went on to warn that branding dissenters as terrorists is a dangerous path, one that has been used in the past to silence legitimate opposition.
“History shows us many leaders who were once labelled as criminals or terrorists—only to later be recognized as heroes and democratically elected presidents. Just because someone has a different opinion doesn’t make them guilty. You can’t declare someone a thief simply because you say so,” she added.
Odhiambo also acknowledged the violence and disorder that occurred during the protests, but insisted that the law must be applied equally.
“We are not excusing the chaos that took place. What we are demanding is fairness. The law should apply to everyone equally,” she said.
She also questioned the apparent double standards in law enforcement, pointing out that while protesters have been swiftly arrested and charged, rogue police officers who collaborated with criminal elements during the protests remain untouched.
“We have seen police officers walking side by side with thugs. So the question is: how many officers have been held accountable? Where is the same energy in arresting them?” Odhiambo asked.
Her remarks have reignited a national conversation on the balance between national security and civil rights, with many Kenyans supporting the LSK’s call for due process, even in the most politically charged situations.
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