BARINGO – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude its investigation into police conduct during the June and July protests before releasing public statements implicating officers in civilian deaths.
Speaking during a security forum in Kabarnet on Saturday, Murkomen responded to IPOA’s recent report alleging that law enforcement used excessive force during anti-government protests, leading to 65 confirmed fatalities. “IPOA must first complete their investigations and present factual findings before rushing to conclusions that place blame on police officers,” CS Murkomen said.
The protests, driven largely by youth opposition to proposed tax laws and governance concerns, saw violent clashes in Nairobi and other urban centers. Human rights groups have demanded accountability over the rising death toll, which IPOA attributed in part to indiscriminate use of force by security personnel.
Interior CS Murkomen defended the National Police Service, stating that any incidents of misconduct must be addressed through due process not speculation. “We’re not denying that things went wrong. But investigations must be thorough and fair. No one should pre-judge officers before facts are established,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks during the 21st Jukwaa la Usalama security tour in Baringo County, a region grappling with recurrent insecurity, particularly in Tiaty constituency. To strengthen law enforcement in the area, Murkomen announced plans to construct seven new police stations by December.
“We are investing in more permanent security infrastructure, especially in high-risk zones like Tiaty, to ensure lasting peace,” Murkomen said.
CS Murkomen called on local communities especially the Tugen, Pokot, and Turkana to reject retaliatory violence and instead cooperate with law enforcement. “If someone attacks your home, don’t take up arms. Let the police respond. We will act swiftly,” Murkomen said. He also addressed concerns over identity registration in Baringo, revealing that 161,000 adults in the county lack national ID cards.
The Interior Minister urged the youth to apply for ID cards assuring youths of government roll out of a countywide drive to speed up registration using the new Live Capture Unit technology and free issuance for first-time applicants. “Without IDs, people are locked out of basic services and opportunities. We are determined to fix that,” Murkomen said.
As pressure builds over police accountability during recent unrest, IPOA has yet to publish its full investigative report. Murkomen reiterated that while the government is open to scrutiny, any findings must be based on verified evidence, not assumptions.
The Interior Ministry maintains that all cases of police misconduct will be handled through formal legal channels once investigations are concluded.
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