NAIROBI — In a fiery exchange that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has likened youth-led protests to acts of terrorism sparking outrage among civil society leaders and the public alike.
Speaking on Monday during a government event, Murkomen defended the authorities’ response to last year’s protests against the Finance Bill, where demonstrators stormed Parliament grounds in Nairobi.
“I am yet to see a media house that calls out those who invaded Parliament,” he said. “In any civilised society, they would have been called terrorists straight away. But here, we still refer to them as peaceful protesters.”
The comments came as tensions remain high following the death of a teacher and blogger in police custody, raising fresh questions about the state’s handling of dissent.
‘Peaceful Protesters or Threats to Order?’
Murkomen challenged the narrative that the demonstrations were non-violent, arguing, “How can ‘invasion’ and ‘peace’ be used in the same sentence? In other parts of the world, people march peacefully and express themselves. That wasn’t what we saw.”
His remarks were quickly condemned by rights advocates. Amnesty International Kenya’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, labelled the comparison “deeply ironic” and “troubling.”
“It is ironic, even disturbing, for the Cabinet Secretary in charge of internal security to liken young people protesting injustice to terrorists,” Houghton said in an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday.
Calls for Accountability
Murkomen also referenced proposed legislation that would set stricter guidelines for how public demonstrations are conducted. He claimed it would protect both the right to protest and the need for public order.
“The new law is meant to allow people to demonstrate in a peaceful environment one that respects everyone’s rights,” he stated.
But critics remain unconvinced.
Houghton pointed to ongoing concerns about the conduct of law enforcement, particularly a wave of alleged abductions and deaths tied to security forces.
He specifically referenced the case of Albert Ojwang’, a schoolteacher and activist who was arrested earlier this month in Homa Bay over alleged “offensive” social media posts about Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
Ojwang’ died in custody days later at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His death has reignited public anger over police brutality and extra-judicial killings in Kenya.
“Are the DCI officers who picked up Albert part of the same multi-agency task force that has been linked to 89 abductions and 65 deaths last year?” Houghton asked pointedly.
Following the outcry, Eliud Lagat stepped aside on Monday as investigations into Ojwang’s death continue.
Youth Unrest Meets Hardline Rhetoric
The protests, largely driven by Gen Z Kenyans, have drawn international attention for their bold demands for accountability, justice, and reform. Many say they are tired of broken promises, rising living costs, and unchecked police powers.
To label such demonstrations as terrorism, observers warn, could mark a worrying shift in how the government views dissent.
“It’s a dangerous path when legitimate protest is equated with terrorism,” said one Nairobi-based analyst who asked not to be named. “It sends the message that speaking out is criminal.”
