GARSEN, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stark warning to those he identifies as orchestrating recent Saba Saba Day violent unrest across the country. Murkomen vehemently asserted that these events were not merely civil protests but constituted a “failed coup attempt” aimed at dismantling President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during the official opening of the newly established Tarasaa Sub-County in Garsen Constituency, CS Murkomen condemned the recent disturbances, characterizing them as a coordinated act of terrorism and political sabotage.
“We must say it as it is, there was no protest or maandamano. It was an attempted coup, an act of terrorism, a failed attempt to change regime. It’s unacceptable,” he declared.
The Cabinet Secretary directly refuted the narrative that the widespread chaos was purely a result of spontaneous youth movements. Instead, he pointed an accusatory finger at political actors whom he claimed organized and financed violent gangs.
“We know very well that the people who invaded courts, police stations, stole guns, and burnt stations and government vehicles, were organized by lords of violence and people who are opponents of democracy,” he added.
Murkomen further emphasized that the violence witnessed in various parts of the country was meticulously orchestrated by individuals driven by political motives.
“It is unbelievable that in particular areas of the country some political actors organized goons to invade police stations, destroy public and private properties and some people are still giving excuses,” he stated.
He also criticized what he termed “double speak” from certain quarters, where demands for law enforcement action are swiftly followed by complaints once arrests are initiated. Addressing this directly, he said, “Hatuwezi ambiwa mali imeharibiwa kwa nini serikali haichungi, kisha tukishika wakora watu wanalalamika.”Loosely translated: “We cannot be told property has been destroyed, why is the government not protecting it, and then when we arrest criminals, people complain.”
All perpetrators to face prosecution
Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government, in close collaboration with the police, is fully committed to apprehending and prosecuting all individuals responsible for the chaos witnessed on Monday.
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“Tutahakikisha kwamba wakora wote, ambao walipora mali ya umma, kuvamia police station, kuchoma korti, na wale waliiba bunduki, wameshikwa na kushtakiwa na kufungwa kwa makossa waliofanya.” Loosely translated: “We will ensure that all criminals who looted public property, invaded police stations, burned courts, and those who stole guns, are arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for the offenses they committed), he declared with resolve.”
Call for judicial action
The Cabinet Secretary also issued a strong appeal to the Judiciary, urging them to take decisive action against those implicated in acts of lawlessness.
“If the Judiciary is serious, it is going to help us sort out this problem once and for all,” he said. Murkomen continued, “I want to urge our Courts, Chief Justice and Judges, to take a firm stance against arson, terrorism, and all acts of violence, vandalism, robbery, and stealing, so that our country remains a country known for rule of law.”
Murkomen concluded by stressing that the government will not permit the nation to descend into chaos, particularly when driven by criminal elements disguised as legitimate demonstrators.
“Tusipochukulia hatua kwa wahalifu, nchi yetu itatawaliwa na wakora.” Loosely translated: “If we don’t take action against criminals, our country will be ruled by thugs), he cautioned.”
