Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to take decisive action against individuals involved in the recent violent protests.

Speaking on Saturday, July 12, during a development tour in Elgeyo Marakwet, where he accompanied President William Ruto, Murkomen emphasised the need for firm punishment against those who burned police stations and looted businesses during the demonstrations.

He called on the judiciary to collaborate with the executive in holding the perpetrators accountable in order to restore national stability.

“They wanted to test whether we would take legal action. We will arrest all criminals who are attacking people and burning their property,” Murkomen stated.

An undated photo of the entrance of the Judiciary building in Nairobi.

Photo

Judiciary

“We have seen demonstrations before, but what we witnessed recently is unprecedented: goons burning police stations, stealing guns, and torching courts. That’s not what Article 37 of our Constitution provides for,” Murkomen said.

The CS also issued a stern warning to leaders accused of inciting or supporting the violent protests, stating that they too would face legal action.

“Any leader, whether an MCA, MP, governor, or whatever position, will have their day in court,” he added.

During the recent Saba Saba protests on July 7, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) stated that over 500 demonstrators were arrested.

KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris released a statement on Tuesday, July 8, confirming that protesters had been arrested by that evening.

The Saba Saba Day protest, held to commemorate the historic 1990 pro-democracy movement, turned chaotic after several properties were destroyed, prompting a heavy response from law enforcement.

While several protesters have since been released, others remain in police custody. On July 9, 111 individuals arrested in Laikipia County were released on a cash bail of Ksh 50,000 each.

Additionally, 125 protesters arrested during the demonstrations were released by the Makadara Law Courts.

However, nine individuals accused of looting a supermarket in Nairobi remain in custody, awaiting their court appearance.

Police marching towards a group of youth who staged protests in Kitengela town on July 7, 2025.

Photo

screengrab-K24