Following today’s nationwide commemorative protests marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen has described the events as largely peaceful and a victory for ordinary Kenyans who value stability.
In statements issued after the protests, Murkomen praised security agencies for maintaining order amid scattered disturbances.
He noted that while some protests occurred, the majority of Kenyans went about their daily activities, with schools and businesses operating normally as declared by the government.
“The planned protest was a failure to politicians who love chaos and a success to Kenyans who love peace,” Murkomen stated.
He emphasized that the day highlighted the preference of most citizens for peaceful coexistence over disruption.
CS Murkomen confirmed that 355 individuals were arrested over protest-related offences, including alleged acts of violence, looting, or other disruptions.
“I would like to commend all Kenyans for heeding the government’s call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities.
As I said yesterday, today was a working and school day like any other day. No widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes, or injuries were reported across the country.
This is not only commendable but also a testament to the maturity of our politics and governance,” he said.
He further indicated that security forces acted decisively against criminal elements attempting to hijack the demonstrations.
He credited police and intelligence agencies with preventing planned larger-scale disruptions in Nairobi and other areas, including through embedded officers and proactive measures.
“I commend our security agencies for their commitment and dedication to maintaining law and order. They acted with utmost professionalism and responded promptly to concerns raised by wananchi. We salute them for their effective organisation and meticulous planning,” he added.
Addressing organizers of potential future protests, Murkomen urged them to ensure demonstrations remain as peaceful as possible, learning from today’s events.
Echoing pre-protest assurances, he reiterated that police were prepared to facilitate lawful, unarmed protests while protecting public safety and normal economic activities.
Murkomen’s comments come against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the protests commemorating victims of past demonstrations.
Previously, Murkomen had warned of potential infiltration by “goons” allegedly mobilized by certain politicians and stressed that the government respects constitutional rights to peaceful assembly under Article 37 while committing to firm action against lawbreakers.
Additionally, he maintained that the security response was proportionate and focused on separating peaceful demonstrators from criminals.
